Cardinal Becciu Withdraws From Conclave Following Conviction

Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, a former senior Vatican official convicted of embezzlement and fraud in December 2023, has announced he will not participate in the upcoming conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died last week. Becciu, who maintains his innocence and is appealing his 5.5-year prison sentence, cited the good of the church and obedience to Pope Francis’ wishes as reasons for his withdrawal. His involvement in the Vatican's financial scandal and subsequent conviction had sparked significant debate about his potential participation in the conclave. Despite previously asserting his right to attend, Becciu chose to step aside to help preserve unity and avoid controversy during the papal election. He was stripped of his cardinal privileges in 2020 but remains living in the Vatican while his appeal is pending. The conclave to elect the next pope is scheduled to begin on May 7.