Convicted cardinal withdraws from conclave to choose next pope

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was forced to resign from his Vatican position by Pope Francis and later convicted of embezzlement, has announced that he will not be participating in the upcoming conclave to select the next pope. The 76-year-old cardinal stated that he will abide by the Pope’s decision in order to prioritize the well-being of the church and contribute to the harmony of the conclave.

Becciu, once a powerful figure in the Vatican and a potential candidate for the papacy, faced allegations of financial misconduct related to the purchase of a building in London. Despite maintaining his innocence, he was removed from his role as head of the Vatican’s saint-making office and stripped of his rights as a cardinal. In December 2023, Becciu was convicted of financial offenses by the Vatican criminal court and sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison. He is currently appealing the verdict while refraining from participating in the conclave proceedings.

During the preliminary discussions leading up to the conclave, Becciu was presented with two letters signed by Pope Francis before his passing, advising him not to take part in the conclave. Although Becciu is under the age limit of 80 and technically eligible to vote, the Vatican has designated him as a “non-elector.”

The conclave is scheduled to commence next week, coinciding with Becciu’s ongoing appeal process set for September. Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez of El Salvador, a non-voting member due to his age, expressed his belief that the conclave would be brief, lasting only two or three days.

In preparation for the conclave, the Vatican has announced the closure of the Sistine Chapel to the public starting on April 28, 2025, to accommodate the requirements of the papal election process. This decision underscores the significance and solemnity of the upcoming conclave as cardinals convene to select the next leader of the Catholic Church.

As the conclave approaches, the Catholic faithful anticipate the election of a new pope to guide the Church forward. The exclusion of Cardinal Angelo Becciu from participating in this pivotal event reflects the ongoing repercussions of his legal challenges and underscores the importance of integrity and accountability within the highest ranks of the Vatican hierarchy.

This article was written by Greg Norman for Fox News Digital.