Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu demands to be part of conclave to choose new pope
CNN7 days
Report: Pope's Letters Ban Cardinal Becciu from Conclave
Above: Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu attends Pope Francis' funeral on April 26, 2025. Image copyright: Franco Origlia/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Progressive narrative
Papal authority is paramount, and the letters shown to Becciu are clear, direct instructions from Pope Francis to exclude him from the conclave. Becciu's insistence on participating disregards the Pope's authority, as he voluntarily resigned his rights in 2020. His challenge to this decision undermines not just Church law but the legitimacy of the conclave itself. Moreover, his involvement in serious financial scandals and the legal issues surrounding his actions make him morally unfit to partake in such a sacred process.
Conservative narrative
Cardinal Becciu's right to participate in the conclave should be unquestioned. With his appeal still pending, no formal, written renunciation was ever made, and Pope Francis never explicitly revoked his cardinal prerogatives. The secrecy surrounding the letters shown to Becciu raises concerns about fairness. Withholding such documents suggests manipulation. Becciu's presence in the general congregations affirms his rightful place, and efforts to exclude him undermine justice and the conclave's legitimacy.