Embattled Cardinal Becciu Steps Aside from Papal Conclave

Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, a former high-ranking Vatican official, has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope. His decision follows a conviction for financial crimes in 2023, making him the first cardinal ever sentenced by the Vatican’s criminal court. Although Becciu continues to assert his innocence and has appealed the ruling, he stated on Tuesday that he would honor Pope Francis’ earlier directive by abstaining from the conclave, affirming his loyalty to the pontiff’s will.

Becciu's withdrawal comes just a week after he expressed confidence that he had not been officially barred from the conclave. In an interview with a Sardinian newspaper, he claimed there was no written request or explicit demand for his exclusion. Nonetheless, his Tuesday statement made it clear that, despite his belief in his innocence, he would not challenge the pope’s previous order to relinquish the rights and privileges of a cardinal.

Once one of the Vatican’s most influential figures, Becciu served as “sostituto” in the Secretariat of State, a role equivalent to the pope’s chief of staff. With this position, he held significant authority and direct access to the pope. He was later reassigned to oversee the Vatican's saint-making office, but his reputation was significantly damaged after being implicated in a financial scandal, which eventually led to his conviction for embezzlement and fraud.

The conclave, set to begin on May 7, will bring together eligible cardinals from around the world to choose a successor following the recent death of the pope. Becciu’s absence will mark a notable moment in Vatican history, as the Church navigates its leadership transition while facing ongoing scrutiny over financial accountability within its highest ranks.