Catholic cardinals acknowledged on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, that the Vatican trial that convicted Cardinal Angelo Becciu of financial crimes is still ongoing. This acknowledgment comes as the cardinals prepare for the upcoming conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 76, formally withdrew his participation in the conclave on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, following days of uncertainty regarding his status. Becciu was convicted in 2023 by the Vatican’s criminal court on charges that included embezzlement and other finance-related offenses. However, under Vatican law, convictions are not deemed definitive until all appeals are exhausted, and Becciu has appealed his conviction.
In a statement released on April 29, Becciu expressed his decision to comply with the late pope’s wishes, stating, “Having at heart the good of the Church, which I have served and will continue to serve with fidelity and love, and in order to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, I have decided to obey—as I have always done—the will of Pope Francis not to enter the conclave while remaining convinced of my innocence.”
Becciu’s conviction is rooted in a scandal involving a disastrous 350 million euro investment in a London property, which was central to what has been dubbed the “trial of the century.” The prosecution alleged that brokers and Vatican officials embezzled tens of millions of euros, and Becciu was accused of sending 125,000 euros in Vatican funds to a charity run by his brother in Sardinia. He claimed that the funds were meant to support a bakery intended to employ at-risk youths.
During the trial, defense lawyers uncovered evidence suggesting that Pope Francis had intervened on behalf of prosecutors. They revealed that four secret decrees issued by the pope allowed prosecutors to conduct intercepts and detain suspects without a judge’s warrant, raising significant concerns about the fairness of the trial. Additionally, it was alleged that the prosecution’s main witness was coached and manipulated, a claim that has led Becciu to assert that he is a victim of a conspiracy against him.
Following his conviction, Becciu was forced to resign as head of the Vatican’s saint-making office in 2020, and he renounced his rights as a cardinal. Despite this, after Francis’s death, Becciu attempted to assert his right to participate in the conclave but ultimately withdrew after being shown letters from Francis that explicitly excluded him from participation.
On April 29, 2025, the College of Cardinals expressed their gratitude to Becciu for his decision to step back, acknowledging his contribution to the “communion and serenity of the conclave.” The cardinals are currently engaged in pre-conclave discussions, which began on April 22, 2025, and they are preparing to address the pressing financial issues facing the Vatican.
During these discussions, the cardinals received reports about the dire financial situation of the Holy See, which has not released a consolidated budget in over two years. Previous estimates indicated a structural deficit exceeding 50 million euros, and concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the Vatican’s pension fund, which Pope Francis warned could not meet its obligations in the medium term.
As the conclave approaches, the focus will shift to the remaining candidates for the papacy. With Becciu’s withdrawal, several names have emerged as contenders, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, who is seen as a moderate and consensus builder. Other notable figures include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who would be the first Asian pope, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who has gained traction in recent months.
Cardinal Becciu’s withdrawal from the conclave adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate political landscape within the Vatican. The conclave is set to begin on May 7, 2025, and will see 135 electors under the age of 80 voting to select the next pope. Given the number of cardinal electors, a two-thirds majority, or at least 89 votes, will be necessary to elect the new pontiff.
As the College of Cardinals continues to prepare for the conclave, they have expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of support from world leaders and religious communities following Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26, 2025. The cardinals have also acknowledged the importance of the youth engagement demonstrated during the Jubilee event on April 27, 2025, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to fostering hope and vitality among its followers.
In summary, the upcoming papal conclave is set against a backdrop of significant challenges, including unresolved legal issues surrounding Cardinal Becciu and the Vatican’s precarious financial situation. As the cardinals gather to elect a new leader, they will need to navigate these complexities while addressing the future direction of the Catholic Church.
