In an unprecedented twist, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, recently sentenced to five and a half years in prison for embezzlement, insists he should have a seat at the upcoming conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor. Despite the Vatican declaring him a 'non-elector,' Becciu maintains that he has the prerogative to participate.

Becciu, the first cardinal ever prosecuted by the Vatican’s court, was convicted in December 2023 for his involvement in a financial scandal linked to a London real estate investment. He has appealed the conviction, staunchly denying any wrongdoing and is currently residing in a Vatican apartment.

In an interview with Sardinian newspaper L’Unione Sarda, he argued, "The Pope recognized my cardinal's prerogatives as being intact... there was no explicit wish to exclude me from the conclave." This declaration comes after Pope Francis demanded Becciu's resignation from his role overseeing the Vatican's sainthood process due to the scandals surrounding him.

Becciu's case has raised eyebrows within the Church. He was accused of diverting funds to benefit a charity managed by his brother and paying an intelligence analyst with Vatican resources—a move that has put the Vatican in a delicate position regarding his participation in the conclave.

The final decision on Becciu’s involvement lies with Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Experts warn that either decision carries risks: excluding him could give rise to challenges against the conclave's legitimacy, while allowing him to participate could taint the election process.

As the conclave nears, the Catholic world is abuzz with speculation following the recent death of Pope Francis at age 88. He passed away due to complications from a stroke, leading to irreversible heart failure. His funeral is set for Saturday, with numerous global leaders, including former President Donald Trump, expected to attend.

With less than 20 days until the conclave convenes, all eyes are on how the Vatican will navigate these turbulent waters as they prepare to select a new leader for the Catholic Church.