Written by May 2nd, 2025.
Photo: Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu
As the Catholic Church prepares for the historic conclave to elect a new pope, storm clouds have already gathered over the hallowed halls of the Vatican. Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, once a powerful figure within the Curia, has voluntarily stepped aside from participating in the May 7 conclave amid ongoing controversy surrounding his past conduct.
Becciu’s decision follows intense scrutiny over his 2023 conviction by a Vatican tribunal on charges of embezzlement and abuse of office—making him the highest-ranking church official ever found guilty in the city-state’s legal history. Though initially maintaining his right to vote in the upcoming papal election, his withdrawal is widely seen as an attempt to shield the conclave from further scandal and restore some semblance of credibility to the Church’s leadership process.
The conclave, which will take place inside the Sistine Chapel, has drawn 133 cardinal-electors from around the globe, each carrying the hopes and tensions of a Church divided. Internal factions have emerged, with traditionalists pushing back against recent reforms instituted by Pope Francis—particularly his inclusion of lay voices in governance and more liberal approaches to doctrine.
Insiders report that sharp exchanges have already taken place during the pre-conclave meetings. Some cardinals are rumored to be quietly lobbying for a return to conservative orthodoxy, while others call for continued reforms and a pope who will further modernize the institution.
Adding another layer of complexity, several senior figures attending the conclave have been tainted by past allegations and internal investigations. Among them is a prominent South American cardinal who has faced criticism for his handling of clerical abuse cases in his country.
Even outside the Church, the conclave has become a talking point—ranging from diplomatic whispers to wild political satire. One U.S. senator jokingly suggested nominating a controversial political figure, underscoring the conclave’s global attention and the growing intersection between faith, politics, and media spectacle.
With the Church at a pivotal crossroads, the stakes of this conclave could not be higher. The next pope will inherit a deeply divided flock, geopolitical pressures, and the growing challenge of reconnecting with younger generations.
As the world watches and the bells of the Vatican. prepare to ring once again, all eyes remain fixed on the white smoke that will soon rise—and the name that will follow.
Stay with NYCPC News for full coverage on the conclave and unfolding developments from the heart of Rome.