His absence from the conclave marks the latest blow to the reputation and legacy of Cardinal Aneglo Becciu, who once seemed to stand at the very apex of the Vatican power structure.
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ROME – After initially insisting he would take part in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, stripped of his privileges as a cardinal by the late pontiff in 2020 and convicted of financial fraud by a Vatican court in 2023, has withdrawn after reportedly being shown documents signed by the pope confirming it was his will Becciu not participate.
“Having at heart the good of the church, which I’ve served and will continue to serve with fidelity and love, as well as to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, I’ve decided to obey as I always have the will of Pope Francis to not enter into the conclave, despite remaining convinced of my innocence,” the 76-year-old Becciu said in a statement.
