Cardinal Angelo Becciu was once among the most influential figures within the Vatican. Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI and later promoted under Pope Francis, he served as Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State—a role often likened to the Chief of Staff of the Vatican.
Cardinal Angelo Becciu Financial Scandal That Shook the Vatican
In 2020, Becciu was forced to resign following accusations of financial misconduct. The controversy centered around a questionable London property investment allegedly overseen by Becciu and involving misused Church funds. Italian media claimed millions of euros were misappropriated, some allegedly directed toward Becciu’s family members and personal projects.
In 2021, Becciu became the first cardinal in modern history to stand trial for embezzlement and abuse of office in a Vatican criminal court. The proceedings marked a pivotal moment in Pope Francis’ push for greater transparency and accountability within the Church.
Despite the serious allegations, Cardinal Angelo Becciu has consistently maintained his innocence. He claims that all his actions were carried out with the Church’s best interests in mind and accuses his opponents of orchestrating a smear campaign. His legal team has pointed to inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and called for an end to what they describe as a politically motivated trial.
Can Becciu Vote in the Conclave? The Canon Law Loophole
Here’s where things get messy. While Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s rights as a cardinal-elector were reportedly removed, no formal decree has publicly declared him barred from the conclave. That ambiguity has led him to participate in the pre-conclave congregations, where cardinals gather to discuss the Church’s future.
His defenders claim that since no official canonical document excludes him, he should be allowed to vote. But the Vatican has not yet issued a definitive statement—leaving the door open for speculation, confusion, and media frenzy.
The Real-Life Conclave: A Suspense Story Unfolding at the Vatican
The current drama bears striking similarities to the plot of the 2024 movie Conclave, where the death of a pope triggers a secret-filled papal election. In the film, cardinals harboring dark secrets compete for power, and the audience is pulled into a world of backroom deals and explosive revelations.
Now, fiction meets reality: a disgraced cardinal, unclear voting rights, and global speculation over what may unfold behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican’s handling of Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s case could change not only the outcome of the conclave—but also its credibility.
The Vatican stands at a crossroads. With the eyes of the world on Rome and silence from Church officials, Cardinal Angelo Becciu has become a symbol of everything this conclave might represent: uncertainty, power struggles, and institutional reckoning.
Whether or not he votes, his presence alone will haunt the Sistine Chapel—and perhaps shape the future of the Catholic Church.
