Cardinal Giovanni Andgelo Becciu. Photo: Reuters
Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, a former influential figure in the Vatican and one of Pope Francis’ closest allies in 2013-2020, is once again in the spotlight. Despite the fact that he was deprived of the right to vote at the Conclave and sentenced to more than five years in prison in a financial fraud case, Benciu claims that there are no legal obstacles to his participation in the election of the new pope.
In a recent interview with Unione Sarda, he stated that he did not see any formal or legal grounds for his expulsion from the Conclave:
“No one has demanded an official written resignation from me, and the Pope has not announced the removal of my electoral rights. So, my powers as a cardinal remain intact.”
These words came against the backdrop of a report by the Vatican Press Office, which had previously included Becciu in the list of “non-electoral cardinals“, i.e. those who are not eligible to participate in the papal election. However, Becciu called it a “technical error” with no legal force.
Paradoxically, back in 2020, in a commentary to Corriere della Sera, Becciu himself admitted that his powers as a cardinal had been suspended, and an official statement from the Holy See confirmed that Pope Francis had accepted his resignation as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and deprived him of his cardinal rights.
In 2021, the Vatican opened a criminal case against ten people, including Beccia. He was accused of financial misconduct in the purchase of luxury real estate in the Chelsea district of London. A Luxembourg-based fund linked to Italian businessman Raffaele Mincione purchased 17,000 m² to create fifty luxury apartments.
In December 2023, the Vatican Tribunal found the cardinal guilty of embezzlement, abuse of office and forgery. He was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison. Becciu filed an appeal.
Despite the sentence, Becciu continues to fight for his reputation and role in the life of the Church. His public declaration of his right to participate in the Conclave on the eve of a possible change of pontiff is another step in a long and controversial story that keeps not only the Vatican but the entire Catholic world in suspense.
