As the papal conclave approaches on May 7, Cardinal Angelo Becciu has stated he will abstain from participating in the vote for the next pope, following his exclusion by Pope Francis. While maintaining his innocence in previous legal troubles, Becciu has decided to step back for the church's greater good, against a backdrop of intrigue and speculation surrounding his potential presence at the conclave.
Cardinal Becciu Withdraws from Upcoming Papal Conclave
Cardinal Becciu Withdraws from Upcoming Papal Conclave
With the papal conclave approaching, Cardinal Becciu announces he will refrain from voting, amid ongoing legal battles and speculation about his role.
On May 7, a significant number of cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church, but one figure will notably be absent: Cardinal Angelo Becciu. Once a powerful presence in the Vatican, Becciu had to resign from his roles following a financial scandal that led to a guilty verdict for fraud and embezzlement in 2023.
In a statement released through his attorney, Becciu expressed his intention to comply with Pope Francis's decision to strip him of his voting rights, despite his assertions of innocence. “For the good of the church,” he stated, “I vow to not enter into the conclave.”
Despite this vow, leading up to the conclave, Becciu attempted to engage with fellow cardinals in private meetings to address pressing issues facing the church. His status raised questions and ignited rumors about whether he would be permitted to join the closed session. His potential reconnection with the voting process fueled media interest, leading to speculation that his absence could significantly affect proceedings.
As the cardinals prepare to deliberate on the church's direction, the question of Becciu's exclusion has generated considerable discussion. Italian journalists have flocked to St. Peter's Square, eager to capture updates and public reactions regarding Cardinal Becciu's status, while some wondered if his involvement—or lack thereof—might delay the conclave's start. The drama surrounding this controversial figure will likely linger in the air as the church transitions into a new chapter in its history.
In a statement released through his attorney, Becciu expressed his intention to comply with Pope Francis's decision to strip him of his voting rights, despite his assertions of innocence. “For the good of the church,” he stated, “I vow to not enter into the conclave.”
Despite this vow, leading up to the conclave, Becciu attempted to engage with fellow cardinals in private meetings to address pressing issues facing the church. His status raised questions and ignited rumors about whether he would be permitted to join the closed session. His potential reconnection with the voting process fueled media interest, leading to speculation that his absence could significantly affect proceedings.
As the cardinals prepare to deliberate on the church's direction, the question of Becciu's exclusion has generated considerable discussion. Italian journalists have flocked to St. Peter's Square, eager to capture updates and public reactions regarding Cardinal Becciu's status, while some wondered if his involvement—or lack thereof—might delay the conclave's start. The drama surrounding this controversial figure will likely linger in the air as the church transitions into a new chapter in its history.
