The College of Cardinals on Wednesday
expressed appreciation of Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu's
decision not to take part in the upcoming conclave to elect Pope
Francis's successor.
The former Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of
State is appealing a 2023 conviction for embezzlement and
aggravated fraud over alleged mismanagement of a Church property
portfolio, including a luxury flat on London's Sloan Avenue.
In 2020 was resigned from his position from Prefect of the
Congregation for the Causes of Saints and was stripped of his
rights and privileges as a cardinal after the property scandal
exploded.
The 76-year-old Sardinian was reportedly pushing to take part in
the conclave, which starts on May 7, but changed his mind after
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin showed him
two documents signed by Francis saying that he should not.
In a statement released after a General Congregation on
Wednesday, the cardinals noted that Becciu, "having at heart the
good of the Church and in order to contribute to the communion
and serenity of the conclave, has communicated his decision not
to participate in it..
The Cardinals added they hoped the "competent juridical bodies
may definitively ascertain the facts".
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