With Becciu out, attention has turned to the remaining contenders. Among the 133 cardinal-electors under age 80, several names have emerged as frontrunners.

On Tuesday, Becciu, 76, the once-powerful Italian cardinal, formally withdrew his participation in the May 7 conclave to elect Pope Francis ’ successor, 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.

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.