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A significant shift in the landscape of the upcoming papal conclave occurred this week as Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, once a powerful Vatican official, formally withdrew from the May 7 election to choose Pope Francis' successor. Becciu's departure, amid an ongoing legal battle over financial misconduct charges, adds another layer of drama to a conclave already marked by theological and political tensions within the Catholic Church. Becciu, 76, was convicted in 2023 by the Vatican's criminal court on charges of embezzlement and abuse of office following a high-profile trial that raised questions about the Vatican's judicial process.
Although the conviction is still under appeal, he announced on April 29 that he would not participate in the conclave, citing a desire to serve "the good of the church, which I have served and will continue to serve with fidelity and love, as well as to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, I have decided to obey as I have always done the will of Pope Francis not to enter the conclave while remaining convinced of my innocence." His decision followed reports that Pope Francis, before his death on April 21, had signed letters instructing Becciu not to take part in the conclave. Those letters, reportedly dated 2023 and March 2025, were recently presented to Becciu by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, right, talks with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti prior to the start of a mass on the fifth of nine days of mourning for late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican,… Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, right, talks with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti prior to the start of a mass on the fifth of nine days of mourning for late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. More Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo In a statement issued during this week's pre-conclave meetings, the College of Cardinals said it appreciated Becciu's decision, thanking him for "contributing to the communion and serenity of the conclave." "The Congregation of Cardinals expresses its appreciation for the gesture he has made and hopes that the competent organs of justice will be able to definitively ascertain the facts," read the statement.
Becciu's legal ordeal, dubbed the "trial of the century" by Vatican observers, centered on allegations of financial misconduct and nepotism. Defense lawyers have argued that the Vatican's handling of the investigation violated norms of due process, citing secret decrees issued by Pope Francis that allowed for wiretaps and detentions without judicial oversight. The defense also raised concerns about witness tampering, after private communications appeared to show Vatican gendarmes and prosecutors working to pressure a key witness.
Becciu said in an April 14 statement that the revelations proved his prosecution was manipulated: "From the very first moment I spoke of a machination against me: an investigation built on falsehoods, which five years ago unjustly devastated my life and exposed me to a pillory of worldwide proportions." Which Candidates Have the Highest Odds of Becoming Pope? With Becciu out, attention has turned to the remaining contenders.
Among the 133 cardinal-electors under age 80, several names have emerged as frontrunners. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, the Vatican's secretary of state, is viewed as the leading candidate with odds of 9/4. A veteran diplomat, Parolin is seen as a moderate and a potential continuation of Francis' centrist policies.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, 67, is another prominent figure with odds of 3/1. Tagle has been outspoken in his calls for greater compassion and inclusivity within the Church. "The harsh words that were used in the past to refer to gays and divorced and separated people, the unwed mothers [and so on], in the past they were quite severe.
Many people who belonged to those groups were branded and that led to their isolation from the wider society," he said. Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends a mass on the fifth of nine days of mourning for late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends a mass on the fifth of nine days of mourning for late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo Other contenders include Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Cardinal Peter Turkson. Longshot names like Cardinal Robert Sarah and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa have also drawn attention, particularly among more traditional factions. The College of Cardinals has confirmed that all 133 electors—exceeding the limit of 120 set by Universi Dominici Gregis—are eligible to vote, based on an exemption granted by Pope Francis.
"The Cardinals exceeding the set limit have acquired, in accordance with paragraph 36 of the same Apostolic Constitution, the right to elect the Roman Pontiff, from the moment of their creation and publication," a declaration from the General Congregation stated. What's Next? The conclave will begin on May 7, with electors sequestered in the Sistine Chapel until a new pope is chosen.
Each ballot will require a two-thirds majority, and while some past conclaves have resolved quickly, others have taken several days. Despite the presence of clear favorites, Vatican watchers caution that conclaves often defy outside predictions. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis were surprise outcomes in their respective elections, emerging after early frontrunners failed to gain traction.
