Photo credit: www.cbc.ca
An Italian cardinal convicted of embezzlement and fraud announced on Tuesday his decision to abstain from the upcoming secret conclave that will elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis.
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Catholic official to face trial in a Vatican court, received a sentence of 5½ years in prison in December 2023. He maintains his innocence and is currently free while awaiting an appeal that is set to commence in September.
“With a commitment to the Church’s welfare… I have decided, as always, to respect Pope Francis’s wishes by withdrawing from the conclave, while remaining convinced of my innocence,” stated Becciu.
In recent days, Becciu had argued that he deserved the right to participate in the conclave scheduled for May 7 in the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at 88, had elevated Becciu along with others to the cardinalate in 2018. However, two years later, amid allegations of financial misconduct and nepotism, the pope requested Becciu’s resignation.
Despite being allowed to keep his ecclesiastical title and Vatican residence, Becciu was stripped of “the rights associated with the Cardinalate,” creating uncertainty around his participation in the conclave.
Becciu’s legal troubles arose from investigations into the Holy See’s investment in a luxury property in London. Prosecutors examined various transactions, including a transfer of 125,000 euros (approximately $182,600 CAD) to a charity in his hometown of Sardinia, which was managed by his brother. While accusations of embezzlement followed, Becciu contended that the funds were requested for a bakery initiative aimed at employing at-risk youth and remained within diocesan accounts.
He was indicted in 2021.
LISTEN: Theologian Massimo Faggioli discusses potential developments at the May conclave:
The Sunday Magazine: 18:19 The political considerations in electing a new pope
Post-funeral for Pope Francis, 135 cardinal electors will convene in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to select a new leader for the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church, which faces challenges regarding its finances and doctrinal divisions. Theologian and Vatican specialist Massimo Faggioli provides insight into how the Church might position itself amid global uncertainty.
‘Fraternal and sincere atmosphere’
Eligible to participate in the vote are approximately 135 cardinals under the age of 80, representing diverse regions across the globe.
The previous conclaves, in 2005 and 2013, were brief, concluding within two days, although some in the 20th century extended up to five days.
Many cardinals appointed by Francis come from countries that previously lacked representation in the cardinalate, and some had not met before.
Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez from El Salvador expressed optimism that this conclave could be completed quickly. “I sense that the conclave will be short, perhaps two or three days — that is the prevailing sentiment among us,” he told reporters. As he is 82, Chavez will not be eligible to vote.
Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, head of Baghdad’s Chaldean Catholic Church, also anticipated a swift process for selecting a successor to Francis, the first pope from Latin America. “There is a fraternal and sincere atmosphere, fostering a sense of responsibility to choose someone who will continue Pope Francis’s mission,” he remarked.
The conclave will convene in the historic surroundings of the Sistine Chapel.
A new pope is selected when a candidate secures at least two-thirds of the eligible votes.
Cardinals from over 70 nations will cast votes, including four from Canada: Thomas Collins, Michael Czerny, Francis Leo, and Gérald Lacroix. Meanwhile, Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who will turn 81 in June, is ineligible to vote but remains a potential candidate for the papacy. In 2013, Ouellet was third in voting outcomes behind Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola and Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who adopted the name Francis as pope, honoring St. Francis of Assisi.
Hallowed traditions
Voting occurs through ballots inscribed with “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I choose as Supreme Pontiff”). After each voting session, the ballots are collected and incinerated, with smoke emerging from a chimney above the Sistine Chapel.
Black smoke signals an inconclusive vote, whereas white smoke indicates that a new pope has been selected.
The grand bell of St. Peter’s Basilica will sound as an additional announcement of the new pope’s election.
Once elected, a senior cardinal will emerge on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to declare in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus Papam,” which translates to: “I announce to you great joy. We have a pope.”
The cardinal will then reveal the new pope’s name, providing both the Latin version of his first name and the chosen papal name.
Frequently chosen papal names include John (23 times), Gregory (16), Benedict (16), Clement (14), Innocent (13), Leo (13), and Pius (12).
Source
www.cbc.ca