Cardinal Becciu's Recession: "I'm withdrawing for the church's benefit"

A POPE'S SUCESSOR IN THE WORKS: BECCIU STEPS BACK

Get ready for some Vatican drama! On May 7, the "extra omnes" will be invoked, and Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, embroiled in a storm of scandal, won't be amongst those making an appearance in the Sistine Chapel. The Sardinian cardinal, who's been at the heart of the controversy since 2023, has decided to take a step back from the race to the papacy, all in the name of unity within the Church.

Remember the London Palace scandal of 2023? That's where Becciu found himself slapped with a first-degree conviction for embezzlement and aggravated fraud against the Holy See. Pope Francis quietly removed him from his positions and even stripped him of his cardinalate in 2020.

During the fifth general congregation, Becciu reportedly took a stand in front of about 190 cardinals to reassert his right to be an elector. But alas, he eventually decided to back down to prevent any conflict surrounding his case. "He's stepped away from responsibilities he doesn't deem his own, reaffirmed his innocence," a prelate confided to our website. "But he didn't want to create a divisive climate around his case."

The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that there was no need for a vote on Becciu's eligibility, as he had voluntarily recused himself. This move could have potentially split the College of Cardinals, so it was wise of Becciu to step back.

But don't think this will be a smooth sail for the remaining cardinals. Becciu's absence may still cast a long shadow over the conclave, as some cardinals consider his elimination unfair. And with no official communication regarding Becciu's status, there's always room for more twists and turns.

The diplomatic thorn in Becciu's side was removed by the then Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, according to a monsignor. Now, with Becciu out of the race, there will be 134 cardinals under the age of 80 gathering to choose the new Bishop of Rome. One cardinal, Antonio Canizares Llovera, is expected to be absent due to illness.

The preliminary masses continue almost daily, with the main event taking place in St. Peter's Basilica on May 7, followed by the entrance to the Sistine Chapel. The election process is set to begin in the afternoon of May 7, with a maximum program providing for voting twice daily until a pope is elected.

With both the Dean Giovanni Battista Re and the Vice-Dean Leonardo Sandri being over 80, Pietro Parolin will preside over the operations in the Conclave, one of the favorites for the papacy. Re will instead preside over the Mass.

Important words were spoken during the third Mass of the novendiali by the Vicar of Rome, Baldor Reina. In his address, he urged that the time of equilibriums, tactics, and power alliances should be left behind. Instead, a radical disposition was needed to embrace the dream of God entrusted to the hands of the cardinals. He was referring to the multiple processes of reform started by Pope Francis.

Pre-conclave meetings continue, with discussions revolving around the relationship with the contemporary world, evangelization, the relationship with other faiths, and the issue of abuses. The qualities required to effectively address these challenges were also highlighted. The appointments of the three assistants of the camerlengo were renewed during a particular congregation.

With less than 110 electors present so far, around 25 more cardinals are expected to arrive in Rome before the conclave. Let the games begin!

Despite his first-degree conviction for embezzlement and aggravated fraud against the Holy See, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu decided to reaffirm his innocence before stepping back from the race to the papacy.
The absence of Cardinal Becciu from the Sistine Chapel, due to his removal from positions and subsequent recusal, may still cast a long shadow over the conclave, as some cardinals consider his elimination unfair.
Policy and legislation, evangelization, the relationship with other faiths, and the issue of abuses are areas of focus in the pre-conclave meetings, with discussions highlighting the qualities required to effectively address these challenges.
The isolation of Cardinal Becciu, through the removal of diplomatic thorns by the then Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, could potentially rebalance equilibriums within the Vatican politics, leading to a smoother election process for the new Bishop of Rome.