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Convicted Cardinal Angelo Becciu has suggested that the pope’s role in governing Vatican City should be reevaluated and that he should “no longer be head of state”.
In a series of interviews aired on Belgian television, Becciu discussed Pope Francis’ role and his own conviction for fraud and embezzlement.
Becciu, who served as the papal chief of staff until his resignation in 2020, is currently appealing a five-year prison sentence for misusing church funds.
“It will be necessary to clarify the exercise of papal authority” Becciu said. The cardinal insisted that the pope should be removed from the temporal governance of Vatican City. “That is, he should no longer be a head of state.”
Convicted Cardinal Becciu
In a historic ruling, the Vatican Criminal Court on Saturday sentenced Becciu, 75, to five and a half years in prison.
This marks the first instance of such a high-ranking church official facing prison time for financial misconduct.
Becciu was found guilty on several charges, including misappropriation related to a significant loss-making investment in a London property.
The court found that Becciu failed to ensure due diligence while overseeing an investment of around $200 million between 2013 and 2014.
This investment represented nearly one-third of the total assets of the Vatican State Secretariat at the time.
Court finds limited fraud charges
Although Becciu was found guilty of misappropriation, he was cleared of other fraud allegations tied to the London deal.
Brokers and financial advisors involved—Enrico Crasso, Raffaele Mincione, Gianluigi Torzi and Nicola Squillace—were handed prison sentences ranging from five and a half to seven and a half years for related charges including fraud and money laundering.
Joint fraud scheme
Cardinal Becciu faced further charges involving 570,000 euros allocated to Cecilia Marogna, allegedly under the guise of humanitarian aid.
The court found they conspired to misuse these funds, resulting in Marogna’s sentence of three years and nine months.
“The court recognised that both parties committed serious fraud” the Vatican judge said in the written ruling.
Family ties
The court also determined Becciu transferred 125,000 euros from the Vatican to a charity managed by his brother, Antonio.
While the charitable purpose was deemed legitimate, Becciu breached Vatican penal codes by directing funds to a close family member.
Becciu maintains innocence
During the Belgian TV broadcast, Becciu maintained his innocence, arguing that the pope was misled about his actions.
“I guess someone took revenge on me” Becciu speculated.
He attributed his downfall to jealousy over his close relationship with the pope.
Despite the court’s rulings being lighter than the demands of the prosecution, Becciu’s defence team announced plans to appeal, challenging the legitimacy of the entire trial process.
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