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With Becciu out, attention has turned to the remaining contenders. Among the 133 cardinal-electors under age 80, several names have emerged as frontrunners.
Italian Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu on Tuesday, April 29, renounced his right to participate in the upcoming papal conclave, in line with the wishes of the late Pope Francis. The Sardinian ...
Becciu, 76, is the once-powerful Italian cardinal who formally withdrew his participation in the conclave on Tuesday, after days of uncertainty about his status.
Becciu was convicted of embezzlement and fraud in 2023 and handed a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence. He is the first cardinal to be convicted by the Vatican’s criminal court.
Pope Benedict decreed a conclave could be held as soon as all voting cardinals are present. All cardinals under 80 when the papacy is vacated are eligible to participate.
This photo taken on May 7, 2025 shows cardinals during a holy mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, prior to the start of the conclave, at St Peter's Basilica in The Vatican.
Cardinals attend a final Mass celebrated by cardinals inside St. Peter's Basilica, before the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.