Vatican City – As the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new Pope following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, a contentious debate has emerged over whether disgraced Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu—convicted of financial crimes—will participate in the historic conclave, CWEB News reports.
The Becciu Scandal: A Historic Conviction
Cardinal Becciu, 76, became the first cardinal in Vatican history to face criminal conviction in 2023 for his role in a fraudulent London property scheme that cost the Church tens of millions of dollars. A Vatican tribunal sentenced him to five years and six months in prison for embezzlement and fraud. Despite his conviction, Becciu retains his title as cardinal, though Pope Francis stripped him of his rights and privileges, including the ability to vote in papal elections.
Vatican’s Stance and Becciu’s Defense
The Holy See’s press office has labeled Becciu a “non-elector,” barring him from the conclave. However, Becciu claims no formal written order explicitly excludes him. A Sardinian newspaper quoted him stating: “There has been no explicit will to exclude me from the conclave nor a request for my explicit renunciation in writing.”
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The final decision rests with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, who oversee conclave proceedings. Their ruling will determine if Becciu joins the 135-member assembly tasked with electing the next Pope.
Conclave Procedures Under Scrutiny
The Oscar-winning film Conclave recently reignited public fascination with the secretive papal election process. Becciu’s case, however, has exposed rare legal ambiguities in Vatican law. Experts argue that while canon law mandates that only cardinals under age 80 may vote, it does not explicitly address convicted members.
What’s Next?
The Vatican faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance ahead of the conclave, slated to begin in the coming weeks. Critics warn that allowing Becciu to vote could undermine the Church’s moral authority, while supporters argue that due process must prevail.
CWEB News will continue to provide updates on this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church.
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