Angelo Becciu Steps Down from Papal Conclave, Citing Francis’ Final Wish

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former high-ranking Vatican official and possible papal candidate, said on Tuesday that he will not participate in the next conclave to choose Pope Francis’ successor. The move comes despite his voting eligibility and recent assertions upholding his right to enter the Sistine Chapel.

Angelo Becciu’s resignation, however, comes after two letters written by Pope Francis prior to his demise and highlights the intense disagreements over Vatican justice, inner politics, and Church reforms’ future. The action, though ending speculation over his vote, opens new grounds for scrutiny of the trial that convicted him and the role of Pope Francis in it.

Legacy of Power, Scandal, and Decline

Angelo Becciu once held immense power under Pope Benedict XVI. He later became a key adviser to Pope Francis. In 2020, Pope Francis forced him to resign from his role as head of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Angelo Becciu also lost his rights as a cardinal. The Vatican cited financial misconduct as the reason. Becciu denied all charges.

In December 2023, a Vatican court found him guilty of finance-related offenses. He was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison. He appealed the verdict and continued attending pre-conclave sessions—until today.

Conclave Debate and Final Decision

At 76, Cardinal Angelo Becciu is still below the voting age of 80. He has no formal prohibition under canon law. However, Vatican documents have him as a “non-elector.” He had previously said he would not participate in any future conclave. But in recent days, he claimed his right to vote.

That debate came to an end Tuesday when he issued a statement through his lawyers. Quoting his eagerness to serve “the good of the Church” and “communion and serenity of the conclave,” he stated that he would not participate. He invoked directly the “will of Pope Francis,” implying that the letters from the late pope swayed him from participating.

Unanswered Questions About the Trial

Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s departure from the conclave is not the end of the scandal. The Vatican trial, which was widely referred to as the “trial of the century,” convicted nine individuals. Witnesses raised questions throughout the process. There were reports of prosecutors coaching the star witness and that even Pope Francis intervened on behalf of the prosecution.

Such measures cast serious suspicions over the impartiality of the trial. Some wonder whether the court was functioning independently or being led by a political script. Pope Francis had made changes in Vatican law so that the court could prosecute cardinals such as Angelo Becciu. That step, though advertised as reform, comes under questioning.

New Pressure on Church Unity and Reforms

Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s withdrawal eliminates one conservative voice from the conclave. But it also betrays increasing tensions within the Church. He emerged under Benedict XVI and sided with the old guard. If he had voted, he might have supported a pope who could unwind some of Francis’ reforms.

Today, his ouster puts pressure on the conclave to confirm or overturn Francis’ legacy. The fact that Becciu was present in pre-conclave meetings and was forced to be presented with two letters from Francis only fuels the perception of inner strife.

Becciu’s Shadow Looms

Cardinal Becciu’s conclave absence is a relief to some but stokes wider controversy. His fall, the trial, and the pope’s backroom maneuvering have all revealed a Vatican in transition.

As the Church gears up to choose its next boss, the specter of Becciu’s case will probably haunt it—asking difficult questions about justice, transparency, and the future of Catholicism itself.