Italian cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, convicted of embezzlement and abuse of power, gave up participating in the conclave that will elect the new pontiff, as reported by the Italian press. The decision happens after a week of controversy, in which Becciu, despite being removed from his duties by Pope Francis.
Becciu resigned on the rights associated with cardinalato in 2020, after being investigated on irregularities in the purchase of a luxury property in London. At the time, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had accepted his resignation.
According to investigations conducted by the Vatican Prosecutor’s Office, the holy century spent more than 200 million dollars in the acquisition of the property, which should have been destined for charity.
Part of the funds was diverted to the payment of the property, in an agreement signed by Becciu, who at the time was the Pope’s chief of staff. In addition, the cardinal is accused of having diverted resources to the diocese of his hometown of Sardinia, benefiting relatives.
In December 2023, Becciu was sentenced to five years and six months in prison, as well as perpetual disqualification for public office. Although he appealed from the sentence and is free, his involvement in the scandal has significantly weakened his position within the church.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, said Becciu received two official documents stating that he could not participate in the conclave. Becciu, in turn, insisted that Pope Francis had guaranteed his rights as Cardinal lifetime – a version that did not prevail.
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Becciu was once one of Pope Francis’ closest figures and was even considered as a possible successor. Named Cardinal in 2018, his prestige collapsed after the scandal surfaced. Since then, he has repeatedly denied all the accusations and has even declared that the Pope “lost faith” in him.
