Wed Apr 30 05:37:20 UTC 2025: ## Vatican Cardinal Withdraws From Papal Conclave Amid Ongoing Controversy
**Vatican City, April 30, 2025** – Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a central figure in the Vatican’s high-profile financial misconduct trial, has withdrawn from the upcoming papal conclave. The 76-year-old Italian cardinal cited a desire to maintain “the good of the church” and ensure the conclave’s serenity in his announcement Tuesday.
Becciu’s participation had been a subject of intense debate following the death of Pope Francis. While he had previously stated he would not participate in future conclaves after his 2020 downfall, he recently asserted his right to attend. His withdrawal, however, does not alter the official count of cardinal electors, as he was already considered ineligible internally due to his conviction on financial charges in December 2023.
Becciu, a former influential Vatican chief of staff, was convicted of finance-related offenses and sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison. He maintains his innocence and is appealing the conviction. While technically eligible to vote based on age, the Vatican had already classified him as a “non-elector.” His statement suggests that two letters from Pope Francis, urging him not to participate, ultimately influenced his decision.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Becciu’s trial casts a shadow over the conclave. Questions about the trial’s integrity persist, with allegations of papal intervention on behalf of prosecutors and manipulation of key witnesses. These allegations, and the lack of clarity surrounding Becciu’s 2020 resignation and the renunciation of his rights as a cardinal, raise concerns about due process within the Vatican. The appeal process is set to begin in September. Despite Becciu’s withdrawal, the conclave will proceed with 133 cardinal electors after two others withdrew due to health reasons.
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