Cardinal Angelo Becciu has formally withdrawn from the papal conclave, ending weeks of speculation about his participation. Becciu, once a powerful figure within the Vatican, took this decision after receiving two letters from Pope Francis before the pontiff’s death, stating he should not take part in the election. The Vatican had already excluded him from the official list of electors following his 2023 conviction.
Rise to Power in the Vatican
Figure 1: Cardinal Angelo Becciu
Becciu, aged 76, rose through the ranks of Vatican diplomacy, serving in Angola, Cuba, and the Secretariat of State. Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Vatican’s saint-making office and made him a cardinal in 2018. Originally seen as a possible future pope, Becciu aligned closely with conservative Vatican figures during Pope Benedict XVI’s tenure, and his influence extended across many church departments.
Fall from Grace in 2020
On 24 September 2020, Pope Francis forced Becciu to resign after allegations surfaced regarding financial misconduct. The Vatican accused him of directing Vatican funds to a charity run by his brother in Sardinia. Becciu claimed innocence, describing the incident as surreal while affirming his loyalty to the pontiff. He maintained he acted in good faith, stating that he remained ready to die for Pope Francis.
Conclave Withdrawal Statement
Despite being under the age of 80 and technically eligible to vote, Becciu renounced his participation in the conclave. He issued a statement through his lawyer Fabio Viglione to announce his decision. “Having at heart the good of the church, which I have served and will continue to serve with fidelity and love, as well as to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, I have decided to obey as I have always done the will of Pope Francis not to enter the conclave while remaining convinced of my innocence,” the statement read.
The Financial Trial of the Century
Becciu stood trial with nine others following a wide-ranging Vatican investigation into financial crimes. The 487-page indictment accused the group of embezzlement, fraud, extortion, corruption, and money laundering. The core allegation involved the Holy See’s 350 million euro investment in a luxury London property. Prosecutors said Vatican brokers and officials extracted millions in fees and later extorted the Vatican for 15 million euros to relinquish control of the asset.
Allegations Against Becciu
Becciu allegedly sent 125,000 euros from Vatican funds to a Sardinian diocesan charity linked to his brother. He defended the transaction, saying the local bishop requested support for a bakery project aimed at employing disadvantaged youth. Prosecutors also charged Becciu with directing 575,000 euros to Cecilia Marogna, who claimed to offer intelligence services. They traced the funds to Marogna’s Slovenian front company and later to luxury expenses.
Also Read: Australian Banking Passwords Traded Online by Cybercriminals
Becciu stated he believed the money would go to a British firm negotiating the release of a nun kidnapped in Mali. Along with Marogna and seven other co-defendants, Becciu received a conviction and has since appealed the decision. The appeal process is set to begin in September, with legal teams preparing to challenge the initial rulings.
Legal Concerns Surrounding the Trial
Legal observers have raised concerns about due process during the trial. Reports indicate Pope Francis issued secret decrees allowing Vatican prosecutors broad investigative powers. These powers included intercepting communications and detaining suspects without judicial warrants. Defence lawyers claimed these actions undermined the defendants’ rights and questioned the fairness of proceedings under an absolute monarchical structure.
Concerns Deepen Around Key Witness
Further controversy arose regarding the prosecution’s primary witness, who allegedly faced manipulation from external parties. Media reports from Domani suggested collusion between Vatican law enforcement and outsiders targeting Becciu. Despite these revelations, the tribunal dismissed defence objections to the evidence and continued with the trial.
Future Implications for the Church
The Vatican has yet to comment on new claims surrounding the trial. Spokesperson Matteo Bruni refused to discuss the case or Becciu’s withdrawal from the conclave. The outcome of the upcoming appeal could influence public perception of Vatican transparency and judicial integrity. Becciu’s exclusion marks a significant moment in modern Church history, highlighting internal tensions and governance challenges.
