In the wake of Pope Francis's death on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is bracing for a significant conclave that will determine the next leader of the faith. However, the upcoming election is already clouded by controversy surrounding Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who insists he should be allowed to participate despite being stripped of his cardinal rights following a corruption scandal.
Cardinal Becciu, sentenced to five years and six months in prison for financial irregularities, has emerged as a contentious figure as cardinals gather for pre-conclave meetings. The Vatican press office has classified him as a "non-elector," effectively barring him from participating in the conclave. Nevertheless, Becciu argues that there is no formal documentation explicitly preventing him from voting, claiming that his duties as a cardinal remain intact.
In a recent interview with Unione Sarda, Becciu stated, "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 resignation in writing." This assertion comes amid reports from the Italian newspaper Domani, which revealed that Pope Francis had indeed left written instructions excluding Becciu from the election process. Secretary of State Pietro Parolin showcased two documents signed by the Pope, one dated in 2023 and another from March 2025, confirming Becciu's exclusion.
The scandal that led to Becciu's downfall revolved around the Vatican's purchase of a luxury property in London, where the Holy See invested approximately $400 million. Following the sale of the property, the Vatican incurred losses of around $150 million. Becciu was found guilty of embezzling funds, abuse of power, and bribery linked to this transaction, making him the first cardinal to be condemned by a Vatican court.
As the conclave approaches, scheduled to commence between May 6 and May 10, 2025, the atmosphere in Rome is charged. The city is preparing for the funeral of Pope Francis, expecting 130 delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs. An exceptional security operation involving over 11,000 personnel is being mobilized to manage the anticipated influx of at least 250,000 attendees.
During the third session of the General Congregations on April 24, 2025, 113 cardinals participated, with discussions focused on the challenges facing the Catholic Church. Notably, less than half of these cardinals are electors, meaning they are under 80 years old and eligible to vote in the conclave. The debate over Becciu's status is expected to be a key topic during these preparatory meetings.
Becciu's case has sparked divisions among the cardinals, marking a historical precedent in modern conclaves. Traditionally, once a cardinal loses their rights, they do not regain them. However, Becciu's insistence on his participation raises questions about the extent of the cardinals' authority to challenge papal decisions. Some conservative factions support Becciu's claim, arguing that electing a new pope is not merely a right but a duty for all cardinals.
"The situation is very different from past cases because there is no known papal document that clarifies his status," said Roberto Regoli, a church historian at the Pontifical Gregorian University. "The election of a pope is not a right; it is a duty of the cardinals."
As cardinals prepare for the conclave, the question remains: will Becciu's demands be upheld, or will he be barred from participating in this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church? The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the dynamics of the conclave and the future leadership of the Church.
In the meantime, Becciu continues to live in a Vatican apartment while he appeals his conviction, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. His case has drawn significant media attention and public interest, as it highlights the ongoing struggles within the Church regarding accountability and transparency.
Ultimately, the conclave will consist of 252 cardinals, with 135 eligible to vote, excluding Becciu unless there is a change in circumstances. As the world watches, the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of the Catholic Church and its leadership.
With the conclave just weeks away, the tension surrounding Becciu's participation underscores the complexities of church governance and the influence of individual cardinals in the selection of a new pope. The discussions and decisions made in the days leading up to the conclave will be crucial in determining not only Becciu's fate but also the direction of the Catholic Church in the years to come.
