Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was previously convicted of embezzlement and fraud, has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis last week. Becciu, who was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in jail by a Vatican court in December 2023 after Pope Francis accused him of embezzlement, denies all wrongdoing and is free pending an appeal.

"Having at heart the good of the Church ... I have decided to obey, as I always have, the will of Pope Francis and to not enter the conclave, still remaining convinced of my innocence," said the cardinal.

According to Premier Christian News, Francis, who died on April 21, had previously stripped Becciu of his senior Vatican job and associated rights. Becciu's situation was reportedly examined by the world's Catholic cardinals, who are gathering this week to discuss issues affecting the worldwide Church before electing a new pope. The conclave is scheduled to begin on May 7.

"As far as the conclave is concerned, it has been resolved. Regarding (Becciu's) person, it is my personal opinion that he was not treated very well," German cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, a conservative who clashed with Francis, told Reuters.

As Crosswalk Headlines previously reported, over 200,000 people attended Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican's St. Peter's Square on Saturday along with 250 cardinals. Additionally, a number of world leaders were in attendance including United States President Donald Trump, United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Pope Francis passed away last Monday at the age of 88 as a result of a stroke followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.

"He was a great Pope. But first and foremost, he was a follower of Jesus," Stephen Cottrell, Interim head of the Church of England, wrote in The Telegraph.

"The whole world has been touched by his life and ministry. The whole world mourns his passing. The whole world would do well to follow his example."

Francis was also the first pope in 350 years who was buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Source