Cardinal Becciu Confirms Decision to Skip Upcoming Conclave

Vatican City: Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu has confirmed that he will not participate in the upcoming conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. This decision follows his ongoing appeal against a Vatican conviction for embezzlement.

According to Ansa News Agency, Cardinal Becciu was convicted in 2023 on two counts of embezzlement and one of aggravated fraud. These charges stem from alleged mismanagement of a Church property portfolio, notably involving a luxury flat on London’s Sloan Avenue.

In 2020, Becciu resigned from his role as Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and was stripped of his rights and privileges as a cardinal following the property scandal. Despite his initial intention to participate in the conclave, which is set to commence on May 7, he reversed his decision after Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin presented two documents signed by Pope Francis advising against his participation.

Becciu stated, “Having at heart the good of the Church, which I have
served and will continue to serve with fidelity and love, and to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, I have decided to obey Pope Francis, as I have always done, and will not enter the Conclave, while remaining convinced of my innocence.”