Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a pivotal figure in the Vatican’s “trial of the century,” announced on Tuesday that he would withdraw from participating in the upcoming conclave aimed at electing a new pope, asserting that this decision serves “the good of the church.” His participation had been uncertain following the recent death of Pope Francis, with much debate surrounding whether he would join other cardinals in the election scheduled for May 7.
Initially, after his dramatic fall from grace in 2020—when Pope Francis compelled him to resign from his influential role as head of the Vatican’s saint-making office amid allegations of financial wrongdoing—Becciu had declared he would refrain from future conclaves. However, he had recently contended that he retained the right to participate alongside his peers.
In a statement released via his lawyers, Becciu, now 76, remarked, “Having at heart the good of the church… I have decided to obey… the will of Pope Francis not to enter the conclave while remaining convinced of my innocence.” Their relationship has been complicated, as Becciu was once seen as a potential successor to Francis but fell victim to scandals, leading to his removal from power.
Becciu has always denied the allegations against him but was convicted last December on finance-related charges in a Vatican criminal court, resulting in a 5.5-year prison sentence, which he is currently appealing. Despite his conviction, he participated in pre-conclave discussions, including meetings just before announcing his withdrawal.
Historically aligned with conservative factions within the Vatican, Becciu had cultivated his influence under Pope Benedict XVI and became a trusted adviser to Francis. However, the fallout from his dismissal makes speculations around his possible vote in the conclave complex, particularly if he would support a candidate inclined to reverse some of Francis’ reforms. Although under the age limit for electoral participation, official Vatican records list him as a “non-elector,” making his authority in the conclave more ambiguous.
The regulations governing the conclave, known as Universi Dominici Gregis, stipulate that cardinals under 80 years old are eligible to vote unless they have been canonically deposed or have renounced their cardinalate with the pope’s consent. There remains uncertainty about the specifics of Becciu’s resignation and whether it constituted a formal renunciation as outlined by canon law.
Reports suggest that Becciu was presented with letters from Francis before his death, advising against his participation in the conclave. This development, combined with Becciu’s expressed commitment to obey Francis’ directive, appears to have been pivotal in his decision to withdraw.
Despite the close ties that persisted even after his resignation, Pope Francis also amended laws to facilitate Becciu’s prosecution. Doubts regarding the integrity of the trial that convicted him have emerged, with claims of external manipulation involving the prosecution’s main witness. Becciu’s appeal process is expected to commence in September, marking a continued chapter in this complex narrative within the Vatican.