Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Catholic Church is preparing for the May 7, 2025,
papal conclave to elect his successor. Cardinal Angelo Becciu, once a high-ranking Vatican official convicted of embezzlement in 2023, has withdrawn from the conclave at the request of Pope Francis, who had written him two letters before his death. Though eligible by age, Becciu chose to comply “for the good of the Church,” while maintaining his innocence. He previously resigned in 2020 after allegations of misusing Vatican funds.
