Can a convicted cardinal vote for the next pope?
The Vatican is preparing to elect a new pope after the death of Pope Francis, but a surprising issue has emerged.
A cardinal, once a powerful figure in the Catholic Church, is demanding to join the secretive meeting to choose the next pope, even though he was convicted of financial crimes.
This situation is creating tension in Vatican City, and people are watching closely to see what happens next.
Vatican Conclave Controversy: A Cardinal’s Past and Present
Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu was once a key figure in the Vatican, serving as a close aide to the pope.
In 2020, Pope Francis asked him to give up his cardinal rights after he was linked to a financial scandal involving a bad property deal in London.
In 2023, Becciu was convicted of embezzlement and fraud by the Vatican’s court and sentenced to over five years in prison.
He is appealing the decision and continues to live in a Vatican apartment while the case is ongoing.
Despite his conviction, Becciu insists he has the right to join the conclave, the meeting where cardinals vote for the new pope.
The Vatican has listed him as a “non-elector,” meaning he cannot vote, but Becciu claims Pope Francis never officially removed his cardinal status.
He told an Italian newspaper that he believes he can participate because there was no clear order excluding him.
The Rules of the Conclave
The conclave is a private and sacred process held in the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under 80 years old can vote, and there are currently 135 eligible voters.
Becciu, who is under 80, argues that he is still part of the College of Cardinals, the group that elects the pope.
However, the Vatican’s rules are strict, and convicted cardinals are not typically allowed to participate.
The decision about Becciu’s role will likely fall to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who will manage the conclave.
They must decide if Becciu’s claim is valid or if his conviction disqualifies him. This choice could set an important example for how the Vatican handles similar cases in the future.
What This Means for the Vatican
Becciu’s demand is causing a stir as the Vatican prepares for the conclave, expected to start around May 6, 2025.
The process of choosing a new pope is already complex, with cardinals from around the world gathering to vote.
Adding a convicted cardinal to the mix could create distrust among the voters and raise questions about the Church’s leadership.
Some see Becciu’s actions as a bold move to reclaim his influence, while others view it as a challenge to the Vatican’s authority.
The outcome could affect how people view the Catholic Church, especially at a time when it is dealing with global issues like declining membership in some areas and calls for reform.
As the Vatican navigates this controversy, the world waits to see if Becciu will be allowed into the conclave or if the Church will stand firm.
This standoff is a reminder that even in a place of faith, human disputes can shape important decisions.
