Influential Cardinal Angelo Becciu, head of the Vatican’s office of beatifications and canonizations, has resigned and renounced his rights as a cardinal. Becciu’s name is mentioned in connection with a failed investment by the Vatican in real estate in London. The Italian clergyman himself contradicts that he has done something wrong.
The Vatican is confined to announcing that Pope Francis has accepted Becciu’s resignation and his waiver of the rights of a cardinal. Italian media cite sources as saying that the Pope himself dismissed the cardinal.
Millions of euros for intermediary
The shadowy real estate deal in London, worth some 150 million euros, cost the Holy See millions of euros in brokerage money for intermediaries. The City-State Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into a number of officials and intermediaries on suspicion of fraud and extortion.
Becciu, who was responsible for the transaction by virtue of his then position, was not included, but was transferred to a less important position. After today he remains a cardinal, but without the associated rights.
Angelo Becciu (72) was until recently part of the powerful Roman Curia, the governing body of the Pope. Becciu is the third cardinal ever to leave the field. Two years ago, American Cardinal McCarrick stepped down when an investigation into sexual abuse was opened against him. Last year, the Pope went one step further when he expelled the American from his priestly ministry.
Scottish Cardinal O’Brien resigned in 2015 after allegations of sexual abuse.
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