Vatican Conclave Preparations Raise Questions About Cardinal Becciu’s Role
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO — As the Vatican shifts its focus from Pope Francis to selecting a new pope, the situation surrounding Cardinal Angelo Becciu has sparked considerable discussion and speculation. The upcoming conclave, set for May 7, highlights Becciu’s complex standing within the Church.
Once a powerful figure within the Vatican, Becciu’s influence waned dramatically in 2020 when Pope Francis accepted his resignation due to financial misconduct allegations. While Becciu has consistently denied wrongdoing, he faced trial in the Vatican’s court and received a conviction in December 2023. He’s currently appealing the judgment, which carries a prison sentence of five and a half years, and has attended meetings leading up to the conclave, but questions linger about his voting rights.
As cardinals gathered on Monday for pre-conclave discussions, journalists were eager to know whether Becciu would be allowed in the Sistine Chapel for the voting. No decision has been made yet regarding his participation.
At 76, Becciu is below the age limit of 80 and has the technical eligibility to vote. However, official Vatican records categorize him as a “non-elector.” After his dismissal, he publicly stated that he would not participate in future conclaves. Recently, he has claimed rights to vote, prompting legal advisors to review the Vatican’s guidelines on conclave participation.
The rules, outlined in a document called Universi Dominici Gregis, confirm that all cardinals under 80 can vote, except those who have been canonically dismissed or have renounced their cardinalate with the pope’s consent. However, the specifics of Becciu’s resignation remain murky; the Vatican’s press office only reported that Pope Francis accepted his resignation along with the rights associated with being a cardinal, without indicating any formal sanction.
Despite his fall from grace, Becciu has sometimes been seen in the Vatican, and it’s known that Pope Francis modified the regulations to allow for Becciu’s court proceedings. Reports also emerged that two letters signed by Francis before his death barred Becciu from participating in the conclave. However, the significance of these letters and whether the College of Cardinals can override Francis’s wishes are unclear.
The stakes are high, as Becciu’s eligibility—or lack thereof—could influence the legitimacy of the upcoming papal election. On Monday, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni evaded direct questions about Becciu’s status, noting discussions took place but no resolutions were made.
Moreover, questions about the fairness of Becciu’s trial persist, as testimonies hinted that the pope intervened on behalf of prosecutors and that key witnesses might have been influenced by outside forces.
The appellate process for Becciu is anticipated to commence in September, leaving many in the church curious about his fate and the potential impacts on the future leadership of the Vatican.
