US EditionConvicted Catholic Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu drops bid to take part in conclave
- Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, convicted for embezzlement in 2023, announced on April 29 that he will not participate in the May 7 conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor.
- His decision follows a conviction by the Vatican's criminal court linked to financial misconduct involving over $200 million and the purchase of a London building, with an appeal still pending.
- Previously a powerful Vatican official forced to resign in 2020 by Pope Francis over allegations, Becciu was stripped of his cardinal rights and declared a non-elector by the Holy See press office.
- Becciu announced that, while he remains confident in his innocence, he has chosen to respect Pope Francis' wishes by not participating in the conclave, aiming to support its unity and peaceful proceedings.
- His withdrawal marks a notable shift amid the high-tension conclave preparations, with the College of Cardinals appreciating his gesture and underscoring ongoing judicial processes to clarify the case.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Our Sunday Visitor
The Catholic WeeklyCardinal says he will obey late pope’s sanctions, not enter conclave
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who lost the rights associated with being a cardinal after Pope Francis asked him to resign in 2020, said he would obey the late pope's wishes and not seek to enter the conclave May 7. In a written statement released April 29, the cardinal said, "I have decided
Cardinal Becciu agrees to step down from papal-choosing conclave
Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted of embezzlement in a Vatican financial scandal involving a luxury London property, agreed Tuesday to Pope Francis' decision to exclude him from the upcoming conclave starting May 7, 2025, despite initially asserting his right to participate. Becciu, sentenced to five and a half years in prison for fraud and financial irregularities, retains his cardinal title and participates in pre-conclave meetings but
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
