As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, whose funeral is set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, a fresh controversy is brewing in the Vatican regarding the upcoming conclave to elect his successor. Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was stripped of his position in 2020 and subsequently convicted of financial crimes, is now asserting his right to participate in the papal election, challenging the very authority that removed him.
Becciu, who was the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints until his dismissal, claims his exclusion from the conclave is invalid. On September 24, 2020, Pope Francis took the drastic step of removing Becciu from his role and revoking his rights associated with the cardinalate due to his involvement in a scandal that led to a staggering loss of 139 million euros to the Holy See, resulting from the purchase of a luxury property in London.
During a recent interview with the Italian newspaper L'Unione Sarda, Becciu stated, "By inviting me to the last consistory in 2022, the Pope recognized my cardinal prerogatives as intact, since there was no explicit will to exclude me from the conclave nor a request for my explicit renunciation in writing." His assertion comes on the heels of his invitation to participate in the pre-conclave meetings, which he interprets as a sign of his reinstated status.
Despite the Holy See's official list, which designates Becciu as a non-elector due to his previous penalties, he argues that the list lacks legal validity. "The list published by the Holy See has no legal value and should be taken for what it is," Becciu insisted.
Becciu's legal troubles began with allegations of financial misconduct, which culminated in a conviction in December 2023 for embezzlement, abuse of office, and conspiracy, resulting in a sentence of five years and six months in prison. He is currently appealing this conviction, maintaining his innocence and claiming he is a victim of a miscarriage of justice.
His involvement in the scandal not only tarnished his reputation but also disrupted his once-promising path within the Church hierarchy, where he was seen as a strong candidate to succeed Pope Francis. The financial scandal, which involved funneling church funds into personal accounts and dubious dealings with a private spy, has raised serious questions about governance and accountability within the Vatican.
As the cardinal prepares for the conclave, the decision regarding his participation will rest with Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Re's ruling will be crucial, as Becciu's presence could significantly alter the dynamics of the election, increasing the number of voters from 135 to 136 and bolstering Italy's representation in the conclave from 17 to 18.
The controversy surrounding Becciu is not isolated; it reflects broader issues within the Church regarding transparency and the handling of allegations against clergy. Other cardinals have faced similar fates, such as Juan Luis Cipriani, who was forced into retirement amid accusations of sexual abuse.
Becciu's case has reignited discussions about the Church's internal politics and the potential for reform. Many are watching closely to see how the conclave will navigate these turbulent waters, especially at a time when the Church faces significant scrutiny and calls for renewal.
In his remarks about Pope Francis, Becciu expressed his sorrow over the Pope's death, describing their relationship as one marked by mutual respect, despite their differences. "It was a great pain to see the Pope change his opinion about me so radically," he reflected. "This pain I accepted as a test of my faith and my commitment to the Pope and the Church."
As the conclave approaches, the Vatican remains a focal point of intrigue and speculation, with Becciu's claims and the implications of his potential participation adding another layer of complexity to an already historic moment. The coming weeks will reveal whether the cardinals will uphold the decisions made by Pope Francis or chart a different course in selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church.
With the conclave expected to begin on May 5, 2025, the stakes are high, and the eyes of the world will be on the Vatican as it embarks on this critical transition. Amid the mourning for Pope Francis, the question of leadership and accountability within the Church looms large, with Becciu's fate serving as a litmus test for the future direction of the Catholic Church.
