Mon May 05 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Papal Contenders Offer Subtle Hints Before Conclave

**Rome, Italy** – Several cardinals considered contenders for the papacy offered subtle clues to their vision for the Church during Sunday Mass services in Rome. The services, taking place just days before the conclave to elect a new pope begins on Wednesday, were observed by Vatican watchers keen to glean insights from the cardinals’ homilies and interactions with the faithful.

While not explicitly campaigning, cardinals such as Jean-Marc Aveline (France), Peter Erdő (Hungary), and Fridolin Ambongo (Congo) delivered sermons and interacted with parishioners in ways interpreted as hinting at their priorities and leadership styles. Cardinal Aveline, for instance, interacted warmly with babies, while Cardinal Erdő requested prayers for his fellow cardinals.

Leading contender Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines) already celebrated Mass last week, drawing a large crowd. Notably absent from the pulpits on Sunday were the Italian front-runners, Cardinals Pietro Parolin and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a move interpreted by some as a strategic decision to avoid missteps before the crucial vote. The various Masses across the city provided a final opportunity for the cardinals to connect with the public before entering the conclave.

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