VATICAN CITY — Cardinal Angelo Becciu has withdrawn his participation in the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope, citing the will of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The move comes after days of drama that overshadowed the proceedings.
Cardinal Becciu had been at the center of the Vatican’s “trial of the century,” which saw him convicted of finance-related charges and sentenced to 5.5 years in prison. However, he has maintained his innocence and is now appealing his conviction.
According to a statement released by his lawyers, Cardinal Becciu decided to withdraw from the conclave due to Pope Francis’ request not to participate. This decision was reportedly influenced by two letters signed by Pope Francis before his death, urging Cardinal Becciu not to take part in the conclave.
The Vatican’s official statistics list Cardinal Becciu as a “non-elector,” but he is technically eligible to vote due to being under the age limit of 80. The document regulating the conclave makes clear that cardinals under 80 have the right to elect the pope, except those who have been “canonically deposed” or renounced their cardinalate.
The trial that convicted Cardinal Becciu has raised questions about its integrity, with defense lawyers arguing that Pope Francis intervened on several occasions to benefit prosecutors. The Vatican’s criminal tribunal rejected these objections, but recent evidence has emerged suggesting outside manipulation of the witness and collusion between prosecutors and gendarmes.
Cardinal Becciu is a prominent figure in the conservative faction of the Vatican, which might suggest he would have voted for someone keen to undo Pope Francis’ reforms. Despite his downfall, Pope Francis allowed Cardinal Becciu to participate in the life of the Vatican and even visited him on occasions.
The conclave now has 133 participating cardinals, with two having withdrawn due to health reasons. The appeal of Cardinal Becciu’s conviction is scheduled to begin in September.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/becciu-cardinal-conclave-withdraws-e2df8c80fcc993ae1e529f2f12000324