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Controversial Cardinal Angelo Becciu has decided to step back ahead of the conclave being convened to choose Pope Francis’ successor.
The cardinal, who was convicted of embezzlement by a Vatican court of first instance, issued a statement in which he wrote: “I remain convinced of my innocence, and I will continue to serve with fidelity and love, as well as to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave.”
“I have decided to obey as I have always done Pope Francis’ will not to enter the conclave while remaining convinced of my innocence,” Becciu added. “I obey (Pope) Francis, I will not enter the conclave for the good of the Church.”
After Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, Cardinal Becciu made headlines after appearing at the Vatican, demanding he partakes in the upcoming conclave despite his sentence and against the late pontiff’s wishes.
Becciu was a close adviser to Pope Francis and at one time one of the most powerful figures in the Vatican. He held the post of “sostituto” (substitute) in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, equivalent to chief of staff, and had walk-in privileges to see the pontiff.
But in 2023, Becciu was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to five and a half years in prison.
The investigation into Becciu centred around a disastrous investment in a luxury London property that resulted in the Vatican losing tens of millions of euros. He was at the time the most senior Catholic Church official to appear before the Vatican’s criminal court, the city-state’s civil justice system.
Becciu always maintained his innocence and launched an appeal against the verdict, a case that remains active. Meanwhile, he is still permitted to live in an apartment in the Vatican.
Although Becciu lost his rights and privileges as a cardinal, he was never technically removed from the College of Cardinals.
The cardinals who will be participating in the conclave on 7 May have yet to comment.
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