Pope Election Commencement Set for May 7th

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Under the stunning Vatican facade, Catholic cardinals have settled their differences and set the stage for a new Era. With Pope Francis' passing, they'll convene on May 7, delaying the secret voting session for two extra days to build unity and find a consensus.

The cardinals' arrival marks the beginning of informal meetings following the Pope's funeral. Amidst shouts from journalists seeking insights on the atmosphere, a satirical Italian TV reporter even broached the question of an Italian cardinal convicted by the Vatican's criminal court participating in the vote, adding a touch of chaos to the already tense scenario.

Initially expected to commence as early as May 5 or 6, the conclave has been postponed to provide more informal sessions where even the over-80 cardinals, who won't be allowed in the Sistine Chapel, can share their thoughts.

Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, newly appointed as a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, expressed his hope for unity in the College of Cardinals.

While the cardinals express a desire to maintain Francis' compassionate focus, there's a growing consensus among conservatives to return the Church back to its core doctrines under the influence of St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

According to British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Church's primary objective is unity, downplaying existing fissures within the College. Moreover, he expressed confidence that the new pope will have God's grace to hold them together.

Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo is optimistic that a decision will materialize swiftly, between two to three days, once the conclave begins.

The College of Cardinals, handpicked by Pope Francis over his 12-year reign, hales from far-flung corners of the world. With limited time spent among their colleagues, the selection process remains uncertain, introducing an air of mystery into the proceedings.

Despite the lack of personal acquaintance, the cardinals have a week to get to know each other better.

Notably, it remains uncertain whether Cardinal Angelo Becciu, once a powerful figure in the Vatican, will be allowed to participate. Francis removed him from his role in 2020 due to allegations of wrongdoing, and he was subsequently convicted of embezzlement in 2023. However, Becciu maintains his innocence and is currently appealing the conviction. The cardinals discussed Becciu's eligibility, but there was no resolution.

Looking towards St. Peter's Square, a spectacle unfolds as any red cap appearing sets the journalists scrambling. Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi humorously acknowledged the chaos as he navigated the swarm of reporters to the Vatican gate, while Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, though too old to vote, may exert influence over the proceedings.

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Cardinal Angelo Becciu's eligibility to vote in the upcoming conclave is based on a complex set of circumstances and interpretations. Below is a summary of the key points:
Removal of Cardinal Privileges: In September 2020, Cardinal Becciu withdrew his privileges as a cardinal, including the right to vote in a conclave, in response to accusations of embezzlement and nepotism.
Conviction and Prison Sentence: He was convicted in 2023 of embezzlement, aggravated fraud, and abuse of office, receiving a significant prison sentence and substantial fines. Despite this, he maintains his innocence and is appealing the conviction through the Vatican's Court of Appeal.
Pope's Invitation: In August 2022, Pope Francis invited Cardinal Becciu to a consistory, which some interpreted as a sign of potential rehabilitation. However, it was officially described as a private act of pastoral mercy and did not reinstate his voting rights.
Withdrawal from Conclave: Despite initial claims of eligibility, Cardinal Becciu ultimately decided not to participate in the conclave, citing his earlier decision to give up his cardinalial privileges and his obedience to the pope's will.
Official Status: The Vatican officially lists Cardinal Becciu as a "non-elector," further clarifying his position regarding voting eligibility in the conclave.
The question of Cardinal Angelo Becciu's participation in the upcoming conclave remains uncertain due to his past conviction for embezzlement and subsequent withdrawal of voting rights.
With his conviction in 2023, Becciu lost the right to vote in a conclave and received a prison sentence, but he maintains his innocence and is currently appealing the conviction through the Vatican's Court of Appeal.
Despite some speculation, Pope Francis' invitation to a consistory for Cardinal Becciu in August 2022 did not reinstate his voting rights.
Initially, Becciu claimed he was eligible to vote in the conclave, but he ultimately decided not to participate, citing his earlier decision to give up his cardinalial privileges and his obedience to the pope's will.
The Vatican officially lists Cardinal Becciu as a "non-elector," affirming his ineligibility to participate in the conclave's secret voting session.