The Vatican is currently embroiled in controversy as the impending conclave to elect a new pope approaches, following the death of Pope Francisco. A significant point of contention is the potential participation of Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, who has been condemned for financial misconduct. His involvement raises questions about the integrity of the election process and the implications for the Catholic Church's governance.
Father Ángel, founder of Mensajeros de la Paz, recently visited the talk show Espejo Público, where he discussed the ongoing debates surrounding the conclave. On Monday, April 28, 2025, the new date for the conclave is expected to be announced. This event will determine who will succeed Pope Francisco, who passed away on April 27, 2025, after a funeral marked by austerity and a significant turnout of 200,000 attendees, many of whom were young people participating in the Jubilee of Adolescents.
The participation of Cardinal Becciu in the conclave is under intense scrutiny. He was sentenced to five years and six months in prison for embezzlement and fraud related to a disastrous real estate investment in London that cost the Vatican around 139 million euros. Despite his conviction, Becciu maintains that he has a duty to participate in the conclave, arguing that he has been unjustly stripped of his cardinal rights without a formal decree.
According to reports, Pope Francisco left two letters opposing Becciu's participation in the conclave, citing his financial irregularities. These letters, however, are not officially recognized canonically, as they lack the formal documentation typically required for such exclusions. The college of cardinals is expected to vote on Becciu’s participation when most of the electors arrive in Rome, likely on May 4 or 5, 2025.
Father Ángel expressed his belief that Becciu should be allowed to participate, stating, "Sometimes you have to swallow some frogs to move forward." He emphasized that allowing Becciu to participate might prevent future challenges to the legitimacy of the new pope’s election.
In the wake of the funeral, the Novendiali, a nine-day period of prayer in honor of Pope Francisco, commenced. During this time, cardinals are gathering to discuss the upcoming conclave. The atmosphere is reportedly tense, with many cardinals feeling uneasy about the implications of Becciu’s potential participation.
Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana of Madagascar and Cardinal Luis Cabrera of Ecuador have both been questioned by reporters about Becciu's involvement. Their responses have been cautious, reflecting the discomfort that many cardinals feel regarding the scandal surrounding Becciu. The Italian Church has not had a pope since 1978, and the ongoing controversy over Becciu's candidacy could further complicate the election process.
The scandal surrounding Becciu has raised broader concerns about nepotism and corruption within the Vatican's Curia, particularly among Italian cardinals. Many believe that the involvement of Becciu, who was once a powerful figure in the Vatican, could undermine the legitimacy of the next papal election. Some cardinals are reportedly advocating for a non-Italian pope to restore credibility to the papacy.
Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, presided over the liturgy on April 27, 2025, during the second day of the Novendiali. Parolin's position is particularly precarious, as he was Becciu's superior during the time of the financial scandal. His potential candidacy for the papacy has been overshadowed by the fallout from Becciu's actions.
As discussions surrounding the conclave continue, the cardinals will reconvene on April 28, 2025, for the fifth general congregation. The atmosphere remains charged with anticipation and uncertainty, as the fate of the church's governance hangs in the balance. The conclave is expected to begin shortly after the Novendiali, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Cardinal Becciu is emblematic of the challenges facing the Catholic Church as it navigates a critical juncture in its history. The upcoming conclave not only holds the potential to elect a new leader but also to address the pressing issues of transparency and accountability within the Church's hierarchy. As the world watches, the decisions made in the coming days will undoubtedly shape the future of the papacy and the Catholic faithful.
