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8h ago

Cardinal Becciu’s Role in Papal Conclave Remains Unresolved as Debate Intensifies

Questions about Becciu's voting eligibility persist, with Vatican officials yet to decide his status for the May 7 conclave after his 2023 conviction for financial misconduct.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of embezzlement and fraud and sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail, gestures during the taping of the television talk show "Cinque minuti" (Five minutes) in Rome, Italy, December 18, 2023. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File Photo
Cardinal Becciu
St Peter's Basilica is seen in the background as a cardinal arrives for a college of cardinals' meeting, at the Vatican, Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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Overview

  • Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted of embezzlement in December 2023, is appealing his 5½-year prison sentence, with the appeal scheduled for September 2025.
  • At 76, Becciu is under the age limit to vote in the papal conclave, but his eligibility is contested due to his 2020 resignation and unclear canonical status.
  • The Vatican document Universi Dominici Gregis states that cardinals under 80 can vote unless canonically deposed or they renounce the cardinalate, but Becciu's case lacks clarity.
  • Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed discussions about Becciu’s participation in the conclave but stated no resolution has been reached.
  • Concerns over the integrity of Becciu’s trial have surfaced, including allegations of papal intervention and witness manipulation during the proceedings.