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Italian Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of financial crimes by the Vatican in 2023, has formally withdrawn from the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope.
Once one of the most influential figures in the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Becciu had appealed to participate in the secretive election process despite being stripped of his cardinal privileges by Pope Francis in 2020. However, in a statement on Tuesday, Becciu announced his decision to step aside.
“I have decided to obey, as I have always done, Pope Francis’ will not to enter the Conclave while remaining convinced of my innocence,” he said.
The decision comes days after Becciu claimed there was no explicit instruction barring him from the conclave. His withdrawal clears the way for cardinal-electors to proceed with the process, which is set to begin on May 7, following the death of Pope Francis last week.
Cardinal Becciu was the first cardinal ever convicted by the Vatican’s criminal court, found guilty of embezzlement and fraud and sentenced to five and a half years in prison. He currently resides in a Vatican apartment as he awaits the outcome of an appeal.
Becciu previously served as the “sostituto” in the Secretariat of State, a powerful role akin to a papal chief of staff before being reassigned to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Source: CNN
