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A prominent cardinal who was compelled by Pope Francis to resign from his position within the Vatican and was subsequently convicted of embezzlement has announced that he will not participate in the forthcoming conclave tasked with selecting the next pope.
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, aged 76, made the announcement on Tuesday, emphasizing his commitment to the church. He stated, “With the best interests of the church at heart, which I have served faithfully, I have chosen to adhere to the wishes of Pope Francis and refrain from entering the conclave despite my unwavering belief in my innocence.”
Previously, Becciu held a significant role as the chief of staff within the Vatican, positioning him as a key papal contender, as per reports by the Associated Press. His reputation suffered a drastic decline in 2020 when Pope Francis demanded his resignation from the position overseeing the Vatican’s saint-making office, alongside the loss of his cardinal rights. This action stemmed from serious allegations of financial misconduct related to the acquisition of a property in London.
Although Becciu has consistently denied any wrongdoing, he faced trial in the Vatican’s criminal court, ultimately resulting in his conviction on financial misconduct charges in December 2023. Currently, he is appealing his conviction and a prison sentence of five and a half years. Interestingly, he attended pre-conclave meetings, participating actively up until Monday.
Reports from the Italian publication Domani indicated that during early pre-conclave discussions, Becciu received two letters signed by Pope Francis prior to his passing. These letters explicitly requested that Becciu abstain from participating in the conclave.
Despite being under the age limit of 80, which technically allows him to vote, the Vatican’s official roster lists him as a “non-elector,” thereby restricting his participation.
The conclave is scheduled to commence next Wednesday, while Becciu’s appeal is slated for September. Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez of El Salvador, 82, who is also ineligible to vote during the conclave, expressed his thoughts on Tuesday regarding the duration of the impending conclave. He stated, “I get the impression that the conclave will be brief, taking two to three days. This is the sentiment we share within the room,” as reported by Reuters.
In preparation for the conclave, the Vatican has announced the closure of the Sistine Chapel to the public starting Monday, April 28, 2025, to accommodate the necessary proceedings.
As the world awaits the outcome of the conclave and the pivotal decisions that will shape the future of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Becciu’s absence will undoubtedly be felt as the church community embraces a new chapter in its history.
Key Takeaways on Becciu’s Decision and Its Impact
The announcement made by Becciu signals significant implications for the conclave’s dynamics. His absence, due to the controversies surrounding his tenure and convictions, could potentially lead to a narrower range of influences among the voting cardinals. Analysts suggest that Becciu’s decision, while rooted in obedience to papal authority, reflects ongoing tensions within the Vatican.
Additionally, the upcoming conclave promises to be an essential moment in the church’s journey, as leaders consider pressing issues, including modernization, financial transparency, and the church’s role in contemporary society. The voting cardinals will be tasked with finding a successor to Pope Francis who can address these challenges while maintaining the church’s core values.
This conclave marks a critical juncture for the Catholic Church, especially in light of recent controversies and the necessity for renewal and reform. As the appointment of the next pope draws near, the global community watches closely, eager to witness the direction the church will take under new leadership.
