AssetID: 54700987
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Convicted Cardinal Giovanni Becciu Withdraws from Papal Conclave
Caption: Convicted Cardinal Giovanni Becciu Withdraws from Papal Conclave. Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, convicted of financial crimes, will not participate in the upcoming conclave to elect the new pope. Becciu, once a powerful figure in the Vatican, was ordered by Pope Francis in 2020 to resign his cardinal rights amid a financial scandal. Despite launching an appeal to be included in the conclave, Becciu officially withdrew, stating he would obey Pope Francis' will. Becciu has maintained his innocence in the case, despite being convicted of embezzlement and fraud in 2023. The conclave to elect a new pope will begin on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis last week. Prior to his conviction, Becciu was the Vatican’s "substitute," a position with significant authority, before heading the saint-making department. In 2023, Becciu was handed a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence, becoming the first cardinal to be convicted by the Vatican's criminal court. Although convicted, Becciu has appealed the verdict, and his case is still under consideration by the Vatican. Becciu is allowed to remain in his Vatican apartment while his appeal process continues. His withdrawal from the conclave follows a statement last week claiming there was no explicit request for his renunciation from the Vatican. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Giovanni Angelo Becciu,Vatican,conclave,pope election,financial scandal,embezzlement,fraud,pope Francis,sainthood department,criminal court
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