Cardinal Becciu renounces participation in upcoming conclave

Vatican, April 29 2025: Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu has announced that he will respect the wishes of the late Pope Francis by renouncing his participation in the conclave to elect a new pope, which is set to begin on May 7. In a statement released on Tuesday, April 29, the Italian cardinal confirmed his decision to abstain from the conclave.

He noted that he has decided to obey the will of the late Pope Francis, though he maintained his innocence.

“Having at heart the good of the Church, which I have served and will continue to serve with faithfulness and love, and in order to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, I have decided to obey—as I have always done—the will of Pope Francis not to enter the conclave, while remaining convinced of my innocence," read the statement.

Cardinal Becciu, a former Vatican chief of staff and a prominent papal contender, lost his standing in 2020 when Pope Francis compelled him to resign from his position as head of the Vatican’s saint-making office and stripped him of his cardinal privileges due to allegations of financial misconduct.

Courtesy: Vatican News