The death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, has plunged the Catholic Church into mourning and transition, while igniting a controversy that threatens to destabilize the Vatican. At the heart of the dispute is Italian Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, 76, who, despite being stripped of his cardinalatial rights in 2020 due to a financial scandal, insists on participating in the conclave to elect the next leader of the Church. Becciu, convicted of corruption and sentenced to five and a half years in prison, is stirring tensions within the Sacred College and raising questions about governance and influence in the millennia-old institution. His presence at the pre-conclave General Congregations, preparatory meetings for the papal election, has reignited debates about his eligibility to vote, directly challenging the late pontiff’s decision.
Becciu argues that his exclusion from the conclave was never explicitly formalized. In an interview with the Italian newspaper L’Unione Sarda, he claimed that his invitation to the 2022 consistory proves Pope Francis recognized his cardinalatial prerogatives as intact. The Vatican’s official list, which includes 135 cardinal electors under 80, does not name him as eligible to vote, but Becciu disputes its legal validity. The decision on his participation now rests with the General Congregation of Cardinals, chaired by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, at a time of institutional fragility following Francis’ death.
The Becciu controversy is not merely administrative but a reflection of deep divisions within the Church. His potential participation in the conclave, scheduled for May 6–11, 2025, could bolster conservative factions opposed to Francis’ progressive reforms. Once a powerful Vatican figure, Becciu has become a symbol of the tensions between financial transparency and entrenched power structures in the Holy See.
The scandal that rocked the Vatican
The downfall of Becciu traces back to 2014, when the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, where he served as Substitute, invested over 200 million euros in a luxury property in London’s Sloane Avenue. The deal, funded partly by the Peter’s Pence collection—intended for charitable works—resulted in losses estimated at 139 million euros for the Holy See. Investigations uncovered a web of questionable intermediaries and financial transactions, including payments to a cooperative run by Becciu’s brother, Antonino, and to a self-proclaimed intelligence expert, Cecilia Marogna.
The trial, spanning over two years with 86 hearings, concluded in December 2023 with Becciu’s conviction for embezzlement, fraud, and abuse of office. He was sentenced to five and a half years in prison, fined 8,000 euros, and barred from public office. While appealing the verdict and remaining free, Becciu maintains his innocence, claiming to be the victim of a conspiracy. His bid to re-enter the Vatican’s decision-making core rekindles memories of one of the most significant financial scandals in the Church’s recent history.
Timeline of the Becciu case
- 1972: Giovanni Angelo Becciu is ordained a priest in Sardinia.
- 1984: Begins diplomatic career in the Vatican, serving in various countries.
- 2011: Appointed Substitute of the Secretariat of State by Benedict XVI.
- 2018: Elevated to cardinal by Francis.
- 2019: Becomes Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
- 2020: Resigns cardinalatial rights amid financial scandal.
- 2021: Corruption trial begins in the Vatican.
- 2023: Convicted and sentenced to five and a half years.
- 2025: Seeks to participate in conclave after Francis’ death.
A cardinal seeking redemption
Before his fall, Becciu was a towering figure in the Vatican. As Substitute of the Secretariat of State, he held the third-highest position in the Church, overseeing critical administrative and financial decisions. His closeness to Francis briefly positioned him as a potential papal candidate. However, the London scandal reshaped his legacy, turning him into a symbol of the challenges Francis faced in reforming Vatican finances.
Becciu’s insistence on joining the conclave is not only an attempt to reclaim influence but also a strategy to reaffirm his innocence. He argues that retaining his cardinal title, despite resigning his rights, grants him the legitimacy to vote. He also points to gestures from Francis, such as celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in his private chapel in 2021, as signs of an implicit “pardon.” These claims face resistance from cardinals who view his presence as a threat to the conclave’s unity.
The General Congregation’s decision will test the College of Cardinals’ authority during this transitional period. If Becciu is allowed to participate, the number of electors will rise to 136, increasing Italy’s representation from 17 to 18 cardinals, solidifying its position as the largest “bloc” in the conclave. This shift could influence voting dynamics, particularly as alliances are still forming.
Divisions in the Sacred College
The 2025 conclave promises to be one of the most contested in recent history, with Francis’ legacy dividing progressives and conservatives. Becciu’s presence, if confirmed, could amplify these tensions. Cardinals from peripheral regions, many appointed by Francis, often lack familiarity with one another, making the General Congregations a critical space for negotiations and bloc formation. Becciu, with his experience and connections, could rally factions opposed to Francis’ reforms, such as his emphasis on social issues and decentralization of Church authority.
Among the frontrunners to succeed Francis, Secretary of State Pietro Parolin stands out. At 70, Parolin is seen as a mediator capable of bridging the progressive and conservative wings. His diplomatic background and discreet leadership under Francis make him a consensual choice, though he faces resistance from those seeking a break from the current model. Other names, such as Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, are also in contention, but the outcome hinges on the coming days’ negotiations.
Impact of the controversy
Becciu’s attempt to join the conclave is more than a personal quest; it reflects the Vatican’s institutional vulnerabilities. The financial scandal that engulfed him exposed systemic issues in the Holy See’s financial management, which Francis sought to address through ambitious but uneven reforms. Becciu’s conviction, the first of a cardinal in a Vatican criminal court, set a precedent in the fight against corruption but also fueled resentment among traditionalist factions.
The Catholic public, already shaken by Francis’ death, is closely watching the unfolding drama. Financial scandals and internal disputes erode the Church’s credibility at a time when it seeks to reinvent itself for younger generations. The decision on Becciu will signal how the Vatican confronts its past and shapes its future, especially in a conclave that could define the Church’s path for decades.
Other scandals tied to Becciu
Beyond the London property deal, Becciu has been linked to other controversies that cement his polarizing reputation:
- George Pell case: Becciu was accused of sending 700,000 euros to witnesses to bolster pedophilia charges against Australian Cardinal George Pell, who was later acquitted. Australian authorities debunked the claim.
- Sardinian payments: Vatican funds were funneled to the Spes Cooperative, managed by Becciu’s brother, raising nepotism allegations.
- Secret recording: In 2021, Becciu secretly recorded a phone call with Francis, seeking the pope’s support for his financial dealings. The recording’s release deepened the trust crisis.
The conclave process
The conclave, held at least 15 days after a pope’s death, is a ritual steeped in secrecy and tradition. Cardinal electors, all under 80, gather in the Sistine Chapel, where doors are locked until a new pontiff is chosen by a two-thirds majority. The General Congregations, held beforehand, allow cardinals to discuss the Church’s future and evaluate candidates. Becciu’s claim will be debated in these meetings, with implications extending beyond his individual role.
Italy, with 17 cardinal electors, already wields significant influence in the conclave. Becciu’s inclusion would raise this number, strengthening Italy’s weight in selecting the next pope. In a fragmented scenario, every vote matters, and Becciu’s controversial presence could tip delicate balances.
Francis’ legacy at stake
Francis’ papacy, defined by bold reforms and missteps on sensitive issues, left a complex legacy. His focus on simplicity, social inclusion, and financial transparency reshaped the Church but sparked resistance. Appointing 80% of the cardinal electors ensures his lasting influence, yet divisions persist. The Becciu case underscores the enduring challenges Francis faced—corruption, intrigue, and power struggles—that continue to haunt the Vatican.
The decision on Becciu’s participation will be a defining moment for the Church’s future. Allowing his vote could be seen as a lapse in enforcing Francis’ reforms, while barring him may reinforce the commitment to accountability. As the Vatican navigates this pivotal transition, the world watches a drama that blends faith, power, and redemption.
