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Cardinal Becciu Excluded from Upcoming Papal Conclave
A cardinal recently ousted from his position within the Vatican and subsequently convicted of embezzlement will not participate in the imminent conclave to elect a new pope.
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, aged 76, stated on Tuesday, “With the good of the church at heart, which I have served and will continue to serve with fidelity and love, and in order to foster communion and tranquility during the conclave, I have chosen to respect Pope Francis’s will by not participating, while remaining firm in my belief of my innocence.”
Once a prominent figure in the Vatican hierarchy, Becciu’s standing diminished in 2020 following Pope Francis’s decision to remove him from his role overseeing the saint-making office amid allegations of financial misconduct linked to a real estate investment in London.
Despite asserting his innocence, Becciu faced trial in the Vatican courts, where he was convicted of financial crimes in December 2023. He is currently appealing his verdict and the accompanying 5.5-year prison sentence, although he attended pre-conclave discussions up until Monday.
Becciu’s involvement in the church’s matters continues to be a subject of interest, as reports from the Italian newspaper Domani reveal that he was shown letters from Pope Francis—in his last days—expressing that he should refrain from participating in the conclave.
Despite being under the 80-year age cap allowing voting eligibility, Vatican records classify Becciu as a “non-elector.”
Insights Ahead of the Conclave
As the conclave approaches, set to commence next Wednesday, Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez of El Salvador, who is 82 and ineligible to vote, suggested on Tuesday that the conclave may conclude swiftly, estimating a duration of just two or three days.
The Vatican announced the Sistine Chapel will be unavailable to the public starting on April 28, 2025, due to preparations for the conclave.
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