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'{{short description|Italian convicted felon and prelate of the Roman Catholic Church}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox Christian leader | type = Cardinal | honorific-prefix = [[His Eminence]] | name = Giovanni Angelo Becciu | honorific-suffix = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | title = [[San Lino, Rome|Cardinal Deacon of San Lino]] | image = Giovanni Angelo Becciu par Claude Truong-Ngoc septembre 2018 (cropped).jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = Becciu in 2018 | church = [[Latin Catholic Church|Roman Catholic Church]] | archdiocese = | province = | metropolis = | diocese = | see = | elected = | appointed = 28 June 2018 | term = | term_start = 20 January 2019 | quashed = | term_end = | predecessor = [[Giovanni Coppa]] | opposed = | successor = | other_post = <!---------- Orders ----------> | ordination = 27 August 1972 | ordained_by = Francesco Cogoni | consecration = 1 December 2001 | consecrated_by = [[Angelo Sodano]] | cardinal = 28 June 2018 | created_cardinal_by = [[Pope Francis]] | rank = [[Cardinal deacon]] <!---------- Personal details ----------> | birth_name = Giovanni Angelo Becciu | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1948|06|02}} | birth_place = [[Pattada]], [[Sardinia]], [[Italy]] | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_place = | buried = | nationality = | religion = [[Latin Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] | residence = | parents = | spouse = | children = | occupation = | profession = | previous_post = {{unbulleted list|[[Rusellae|Titular Archbishop of Rusellae]] (2001–2018)|[[Apostolic Nuncio to Angola]] (2001–2009)|[[Apostolic Nunciature to São Tomé and Príncipe|Apostolic Nuncio to São Tomé and Príncipe]] (2001–2009)|[[Cuba-Holy See relations|Apostolic Nuncio to Cuba]] (2009–2011)|[[Secretariat of State (Holy See)|Substitute for General Affairs]] (2011–2018)|[[Congregation for the Causes of Saints|Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] (2018–2020)| [[Sovereign Military Order of Malta|Special Delegate to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta]] (2017–2020)}} | education = | alma_mater = [[Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy]] | motto = {{lang|la|Custos sanctitatis charitas}} | signature = | signature_alt = | coat_of_arms = Coat of arms of Giovanni Angelo Becciu.svg | coat_of_arms_alt = <!---------- Other ----------> | other = | module = {{Ordination | denomination = Roman Catholic | embed = yes | ordained priest by = [[Francesco Cogoni]] | date of priestly ordination = 27 August 1972 | consecrated by = [[Angelo&nbsp;Cardinal&nbsp;Sodano]] | co-consecrators = [[Paolo&nbsp;Cardinal&nbsp;Romeo]], and [[Sebastiano&nbsp;Sanguinetti]] | date of consecration = 1 December 2011 | place of consecration = [[Anfiteatro 2001]], [[Pattada]], [[Diocese of&nbsp;Ozieri]],&nbsp;[[Italy]] | elevated by = [[Pope Francis]] | date of elevation = 21 June 2018 | bishop 1 = [[Almeida&nbsp;Kanda|Almeida&nbsp;Kanda (Canda)]] | consecration date 1 = 23 October 2005 | bishop 2 = [[Mateus Feliciano Augusto&nbsp;Tomás]] | consecration date 2 = 21 June 2009 | bishop 3 = [[Antonio&nbsp;Mura]] | consecration date 3 = 25 March 2014 | bishop 4 = [[Corrado&nbsp;Melis]] | consecration date 4 = 13 September 2015 }} | module2 = {{Infobox cardinalstyles | name = Giovanni Angelo Becciu | dipstyle = [[His Eminence]] | offstyle = [[Your Eminence]] | relstyle = [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|Cardinal]] | deathstyle = | image = Coat of arms of Giovanni Angelo Becciu.svg | image_size = 220 }} }} '''Giovanni Angelo Becciu''' (born 2 June 1948) is an Italian [[prelate]] of the [[Latin Catholic Church|Roman Catholic Church]] and convicted [[felon]]. [[Pope Francis]] made him a [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|cardinal]] on 28 June 2018. On 24 September 2020, he resigned the rights associated with the cardinalate. An archbishop since 2001, he held several appointments in the diplomatic service of the Holy See between 1984 and 2011, including those of [[Apostolic Nuncio]] to Angola and to Cuba. From 2011 to 2018 he was Substitute for General Affairs in the [[Secretariat of State (Holy See)|Secretariat of State]], a key position in the [[Roman Curia]]. He was head of the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] from 2018 to 2020, when he resigned from that office and from the rights and privileges of a cardinal, including the right to participate in a papal conclave, after being implicated in a financial corruption scandal; he retains the title of cardinal.<ref name=becciumoney>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/10/14/923306264/you-cannot-serve-both-god-and-money-vatican-s-financial-scandal-takes-new-twist|title='You Cannot Serve Both God And Money': Vatican's Financial Scandal Takes New Twist|first=Sylvia|last=Poggioli|publisher=NPR|date=October 14, 2020|access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref><ref name=associatearrest /><ref name=becciuresign /> In July 2021, a Vatican judge ordered Becciu and nine others to stand trial on charges of [[embezzlement]], [[abuse of office]] and [[Wikt:subornation|subornation]]. The charges are in connection with an investment in London real estate. Becciu said he was innocent and "the victim of a conspiracy". Becciu's trial is the first criminal trial of a cardinal in a Vatican court.<ref name=trialunderway /><ref name=Rocca>Francis X. Rocca, [https://www.wsj.com/articles/vatican-indicts-cardinal-nine-other-people-in-london-real-estate-deal-11625320841 Vatican Indicts Cardinal, Nine Other People Over London Real-Estate Deal], ''Wall Street Journal'' (July 3, 2021).</ref><ref name=trial>{{Cite news |title=Vatican embezzlement trial: Cardinal Angelo Becciu among 10 charged |author= |website=BBC News |date=3 July 2021 |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57706618}}</ref> He was convicted in the Vatican in December 2023 and sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/vatican-trial-cardinal-pope-690128606e1e22534551b7f74b3d4814|title=A Cardinal is convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to 5½ years in a major Vatican financial trial|first=Nicole|last=Winfield|publisher=Associated Press|date=17 December 2023|accessdate=17 December 2023}}</ref> ==Early years== Becciu was born in 1948 in [[Pattada]] ([[Province of Sassari|Sassari]]), [[Sardinia]], [[Italy]]. After completing his studies in theology and philosophy he was ordained to the priesthood on 27 August 1972. He attended the [[Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy]], where he earned a doctoral degree in [[canon law]]. ==In diplomatic service== He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on 1 May 1984. He worked at the missions in Central African Republic, Sudan, New Zealand, Liberia, Great Britain, France, and the United States.<ref name=vatbio/> Becciu knows French, English, Spanish, [[Sardinian language|Sardinian]], and Portuguese.<ref name=vatbio/> ===Nuncio to Angola=== On 15 October 2001, [[Pope John Paul II]] appointed him [[Apostolic Nunciature to Angola|Apostolic Nuncio to Angola]] and [[Titular Archbishop]] of [[Rusellae]].<ref name=vatbio>{{cite press release | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 1 December 2019 | title = Rinunce e Nomine, 15.10.2001 | date = 15 October 2001 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2001/10/15/0566/01638.html }}</ref> On 15 November he was appointed [[Apostolic Nunciature to São Tomé and Príncipe|Apostolic Nuncio to São Tomé and Principe]] as well.<ref>{{cite press release | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 1 December 2019 | title = Rinunce e Nomine, 15.11.2001 | date = 15 November 2001 | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2001/11/15/0624/01854.html }}</ref> He received his episcopal consecration on 1 December 2001 from Cardinal [[Angelo Sodano]] with co-consecrators Archbishop [[Paolo Romeo]], a Vatican diplomat, and Bishop [[Sebastiano Sanguinetti]], who hailed from Becciu's native diocese in Sardinia. Becciu "played a crucial rôle"<ref>{{cite journal |title=Luanda tightens noose on rebels |journal=Africa Analysis |date=27 January 2006 |issue=485}}</ref> in the controversial 2005 appointment of [[Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias]], then auxiliary bishop of Luanda, as bishop of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Cabinda|Cabinda]] in Angola. Because he was not from Cabinda and because of his family links to the regime of [[José Eduardo dos Santos]], Vieira Dias's appointment was met with massive protests by Cabindan Catholics, and his installation was delayed for well over a year.<ref name="PriestsStrike">{{cite journal |title=Priests go on strike in Cabinda |journal=Africa Analysis |date=26 August 2005 |issue=476}}</ref><ref name="DW">{{cite news |last1=Sul d'Angola |first1=Nelson |title=Ligação de novo arcebispo de Luanda à Presidência de Angola cria controvérsia |url=https://www.dw.com/pt-002/liga%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-novo-arcebispo-de-luanda-%C3%A0-presid%C3%AAncia-de-angola-cria-controv%C3%A9rsia/a-18120369 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929190815/https://www.dw.com/pt-002/liga%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-novo-arcebispo-de-luanda-%C3%A0-presid%C3%AAncia-de-angola-cria-controv%C3%A9rsia/a-18120369 |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 September 2019 |agency=Deutsche Welle |date=10 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Pham">{{cite journal |last1=Pham |first1=J. Peter |title=Cabinda: The "Forgotten Conflict" America Can't Afford to Forget |journal=World Defense Review |date=4 July 2007 |url=https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2007/07/04/cabinda-the-forgotten-conflict-america-cant-afford-to-forget/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202153206/https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2007/07/04/cabinda-the-forgotten-conflict-america-cant-afford-to-forget/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 December 2019 }}</ref> The controversy around Vieira Dias's nomination resulted in the beating of Apostolic Administrator [[Eugenio Dal Corso]] while he was preparing to celebrate mass,<ref>{{cite news |title=Undeterred by an attack in the sacresty Bishop Eugenio Dal Corso new Administrator Apostolic of Cabinda assures Fides: "I will stay and carry on the task entrusted to me by the Church" |url=http://www.fides.org/en/news/5401-AFRICA_ANGOLA_Undeterred_by_an_attack_in_the_sacresty_Bishop_Eugenio_Dal_Corso_new_Administrator_Apostolic_of_Cabinda_assures_Fides_I_will_stay_and_carry_on_the_task_entrusted_to_me_by_the_Church |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202145451/http://www.fides.org/en/news/5401-AFRICA_ANGOLA_Undeterred_by_an_attack_in_the_sacresty_Bishop_Eugenio_Dal_Corso_new_Administrator_Apostolic_of_Cabinda_assures_Fides_I_will_stay_and_carry_on_the_task_entrusted_to_me_by_the_Church |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 December 2019 |agency=Agenzia Fides |date=21 July 2005 |ref=fides}}</ref> the suspension of a number of priests,<ref name ="CrudeExistence">{{cite book |last1=Reed |first1=Kristin |title=Crude Existence: The Politics of Oil in Northern Angola |date=2009 |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley |pages=168, 261}}</ref> and a protracted strike in which many Cabindan clergy refused to celebrate mass for several months.<ref name="altura">{{cite news |title=Núncio Apostólico diz que "chegou a altura" da posse do Bispo de Cabinda |url=http://www.angonoticias.com/Artigos/item/9534/nuncio-apostolico-diz-que-chegou-a-altura-da-posse-do-bispo-de-cabinda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202150312/http://www.angonoticias.com/Artigos/item/9534/nuncio-apostolico-diz-que-chegou-a-altura-da-posse-do-bispo-de-cabinda |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 December 2019 |publisher=Angonoticias |date=7 June 2016 |ref=altura}}</ref><ref name="CrudeExistence" /><ref name="embroiled">{{cite journal |title=Vatican embroiled in crisis |journal=Africa Analysis |date=21 October 2005 |issue=478}}</ref> In response, Becciu emphasized that Vieira Dias's nomination was a matter of papal prerogative and would not be revoked.<ref>{{cite news |title="Dom Filomeno é tido como estrangeiro em Cabinda" |url=http://www.angonoticias.com/Artigos/item/5655/%E2%80%9Cdom-filomeno-e-tido-como-estrangeiro-em-cabinda%E2%80%9D |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210185216/http://www.angonoticias.com/Artigos/item/5655/%E2%80%9Cdom-filomeno-e-tido-como-estrangeiro-em-cabinda%E2%80%9D |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 December 2019 |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=Angonotícias |date=12 July 2005}}</ref> Becciu went to Cabinda in order to meet with Dal Corso and with local clergy and laypeople. His meeting with laypeople was "hostile"<ref name="embroiled" /> and his car was stoned by a crowd.<ref name="Pham" /> Vieira Dias's installation ultimately took place in June 2006.<ref name="altura" /> In advance of Benedict XVI's [[List of pastoral visits of Pope Benedict XVI#2009|2009 visit to Angola]], Becciu defended the pope's rejection of condoms as a means of preventing the spread of AIDS, saying "It's too easy and it's very cheap to say the solution of AIDS is the condom, you don't have the solution there.... So what the Pope is saying is that we must surpass this, because AIDS means there is a lack of understanding of the concept of true love between men and women.... Because of that, many times we are not of the same thinking as NGOs."<ref>{{cite news|title=Pope's Aids comments defended ahead of Angola visit|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/popes.aids.comments.defended.ahead.of.angola.visit/22822.htm|access-date=8 February 2017|work=Christian Today|date=19 March 2009}}</ref> As he left Angola for his next assignment, Becciu denounced popular belief in witchcraft that led to children being accused as sorcerers and abused: "the charges are a frequent practice on the African continent and they must be eliminated".<ref>{{cite news|title=Angola: Papal envoy calls for end to witch child accusations|url=http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=14678|access-date=8 February 2017|work=Independent Catholic News|date=28 July 2009}}</ref>{{efn|Pope Benedict raised the subject of witchcraft and children with the bishops of Angola during their ''ad limina'' visit in November 2011, when Becciu was helping him prepare for such meetings.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Magister|first1=Sandro|title=Africa. The Religion That Immolates Children|url=http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1350073?eng=y|access-date=8 February 2017|work=L'Espresso|date=3 November 2011}}</ref>}} ===Nuncio to Cuba=== On 23 July 2009 Pope Benedict named him Apostolic Nuncio to Cuba.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nuncio Named for Cuba|url=https://zenit.org/articles/nuncio-named-for-cuba/|access-date=8 February 2017|work=Zenit|date=23 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=National Catholic Register|access-date=8 February 2017| url=http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/benedict-xvi-makes-two-key-vatican-appointments |title=Benedict XVI Makes Two Key Vatican Appointments |first=Edward |last=Pentin | date=10 May 2011}}</ref> Becciu's selection for this challenging role was seen by observers as a sign of his high reputation in Rome.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tornielli |first1=Andrea |title=E' il Sassarese Monsignor Becciu. |work=La Stampa |date=29 April 2011}}</ref> Cuban President [[Raul Castro]] praised his work on behalf of improved relations between Cuba and the Holy See.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cuba Bids Farewell to Nuncio|url=https://zenit.org/articles/cuba-bids-farewell-to-nuncio/|access-date=8 February 2017|work=Zenit|date=27 May 2011}}</ref> In January 2015, after Cuba and the United States announced efforts to improve their relationship, Becciu, now the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, expressed his support for an end to the U.S. embargo, citing "the right of peoples not to be deprived of daily economic and social subsistence". He credited the thaw in relations to Pope Francis and said that he expected the Cuban government to introduce a less centralized economic system.<ref>{{cite news|title=Becciu: may the USA-Cuba thaw be an example for other nations|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2015/01/02/vaticaninsider/eng/the-vatican/becciu-may-the-usacuba-thaw-be-an-example-for-other-nations-bk9exdTKddvXpmtBst3EhI/pagina.html|access-date=9 February 2017|work=La Stampa|date=1 February 2015}}</ref> ==Secretariat of State== On 10 May 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Becciu to the office of Substitute for General Affairs in the [[Secretariat of State (Holy See)|Secretariat of State]], replacing [[Fernando Filoni]].<ref>{{cite news|language=it | title=Mons. Filoni, Prefetto della Congregazione per l'Evangelizzazione dei Popoli| url= https://it.zenit.org/articles/mons-filoni-prefetto-della-congregazione-per-l-evangelizzazione-dei-popoli/|access-date=8 February 2017| work=Zenit|date=10 May 2011}}</ref> The Substitute for General Affairs reports to the [[Cardinal Secretary of State]]. He usually met with the Pope each day to handle the business of the [[Roman Curia]]; his position was comparable to chief of staff. It had been described as "the most complex job in the Roman Curia" and a key to "the administrative success or failure of a papacy". Though Becciu was viewed as "a genial and effective diplomat", his appointment was unusual in that he lacked experience in the Curia.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Allen J.|first1=John L.|title=A triptych on Benedict's papacy, and hints of what lies beyond|url=https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/triptych-benedicts-papacy-and-hints-what-lies-beyond|access-date=8 February 2017|work=National Catholic Reporter|date=13 May 2011}}</ref>{{efn|Like the Secretary of State [[Tarcisio Bertone]], "Archbishop Giovanni Becciu, also never worked in the Secretariat, making him likewise a stranger to its palace intrigue. Becciu is cut from a different cloth in another sense, too. He's from the island of Sardinia, where people tend to think of themselves as quite different from mainland Italians–quieter, more reflective, less given to schemes and theater. Supposedly, when Benedict XVI visited Sardinia in 2008, he quipped that 'Sardinians aren't really Italians,' which may be revealing in terms of what he thought he was doing by giving Becciu the job."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Allen Jr.|first1=John L.|title=Is it time for a Jacobin pope? Plus, musings on an American|url=https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/it-time-jacobin-pope-plus-musings-american|access-date=8 February 2017|work=National Catholic Reporter|date=24 February 2012}}</ref>}} ===2013 conclave=== [[File:Giovanni Angelo Becciu in 2013.jpg|thumb|right|Becciu in 2013]] During the conclave that followed the resignation of Benedict XVI, Becciu was responsible for directing the Vatican personnel who ensured the security and secrecy of its proceedings.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Reese|first1=Thomas|title=What happens on the first day of the conclave?|url=https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/what-happens-first-day-conclave|access-date=8 February 2017|work=National Catholic Reporter|date=8 March 2013}}</ref> A few months after his election as pope, Francis named a new Secretary of State and confirmed Becciu's appointment as Substitute.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Allen Jr.|first1=John L.|title=Francis reboots Vatican system with new Secretary of State|url=https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/francis-reboots-vatican-system-new-secretary-state|access-date=8 February 2017|work=National Catholic Reporter|date=31 August 2013}}</ref> ===Public statements=== In his role as substitute, Becciu periodically spoke on behalf of the Vatican, addressing specific events in the news while allowing the Pope to avoid becoming involved in public debates. ====On scandals in the Curia==== When stolen documents about Vatican finances were leaked to the press, Becciu downplayed the sharp disagreements between Curial officials that they documented. He wrote in 2012 that some "criticize the monarchic and absolutist nature of the church's central government" but then pretend to be "scandalized because someone writing to the Pope expresses ideas or even complaints about how that government is organized. Many of the published documents do not reveal power struggles or vendettas, but the freedom of thought which the church is criticized for not allowing."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wooden |first1=Cindy |title=Papal butler's lawyers ask Vatican for house arrest for their client|url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/papal-butlers-lawyers-ask-vatican-house-arrest-their-client|access-date=8 February 2017|work=National Catholic Reporter|agency= Catholic News Service|date=30 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | access-date = 29 May 2018 | work = Crux | url = https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2017/09/24/ex-vatican-auditor-says-forced-old-guard-frame-job/ | title = Ex-Vatican auditor says he was forced out by old guard with 'frame-job' | date= 24 September 2017 | first= John L. | last = Allen Jr. }}</ref> In January 2014, when retired [[Commander of the Swiss Guard]] [[Elmar Mäder]] told the Swiss weekly ''Sonntag'' that a gay network existed in the Roman Curia, Becciu condemned "generic accusations" and challenged Mäder to provide specifics: "When he was in service, did he have any suspects? Are these suspects still present? Come here and tell us exactly to whom it relates."<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 4 February 2017 | url = http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/archbishop-Becciu-says-ex-swiss-guard-should-disclose-names-of-gay-lobby | title = Archbishop Becciu Says Ex-Swiss Guard Should Disclose Names of 'Gay Lobby' | work = Zenit | date = 22 January 2014}}</ref> In January 2016, discussing books that charged the Vatican with financial mismanagement, Becciu defended Vatican employees: "The Vatican is not a den of thieves. To represent it as such constitutes an absolute falsehood. I find it extremely unjust that our employees, proudly carrying out a service for the Pope and the church, have gotten to the point, for some time now, of being ashamed to tell people they work here."<ref>{{cite news| last1= Glatz|first1=Carol|title=Archbishop says Vatican officials are 'ashamed to tell people' where they work|url= http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2016/01/15/archbishop-says-vatican-officials-are-ashamed-to-tell-people-where-they-work/|access-date=8 February 2017|work=Catholic Herald|date=15 January 2016}}</ref> ====On ''Amoris laetitia''==== In December 2016, Becciu addressed reactions to Pope Francis' comments in his apostolic exhortation ''[[Amoris laetitia]]'' on the pastoral care of Catholics in irregular marriages: "I will not go into the controversies but I do wish to reiterate the principles I have always been taught by the healthy tradition of the Church: as the Pope's humble collaborator, I feel I have a duty to loyally tell him what I think when a decision is being taken. Once it is taken, I obey the Holy Father fully."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tornielli|first1=Andrea|title=Amoris Laetitia, Becciu: The unity of the Church comes before one's own ideas|url=http://www.lastampa.it/2016/12/18/vaticaninsider/eng/the-vatican/amoris-laetitia-becciu-the-unity-of-the-church-comes-before-ones-own-ideas-JSE5oh088hxTf7lWts8V4N/pagina.html|access-date=8 February 2017|work=La Stampa|date=18 December 2016}}</ref> ====On same-sex unions==== When a Catholic radio station broadcast a Dominican friar's statement that the enactment of same-sex civil unions had caused recent earthquakes, Becciu said, "They are offensive statements for believers and scandalous for those who do not believe."<ref>{{cite news|title= Vatican condemns radio station over anti-gay comments on quake|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37877395|access-date=8 February 2017|work=BBC News|date=4 November 2016}}</ref> ====On immigration==== Asked about U.S. President [[Donald Trump]]'s order restricting immigration in January 2017, Becciu stated: "Certainly there is concern because we are messengers of another culture, that of openness. The pope insists on the capacity for integration [of] those who arrive in our society and culture. We are builders of bridges, not of walls. Christians must be strong in reaffirming this message."<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'Connell|first1=Gerard|title=Top Vatican official criticizes Trump's refugee ban|url=http://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2017/02/01/top-vatican-official-criticizes-trumps-refugee-ban|access-date=8 February 2017|work=[[America (magazine)|America]]|date=1 February 2017}}</ref> ===McCarrick scandal=== In his August 2018 [[Carlo Maria Viganò#August 2018 letter|"Testimony,"]] Archbishop [[Carlo Maria Viganò]] alleged that Becciu, as substitute, "knew in every detail the situation" regarding former Cardinal [[Theodore McCarrick]]'s sexual abuse of adult priests and seminarians, reports of which had reached Rome. In his capacity as substitute, Becciu had direct contact with McCarrick on numerous occasions. In his book ''Il Giorno del Giudizio'', [[Andrea Tornielli]] states that after each of the international trips McCarrick undertook in and around the year 2012—unauthorized trips that he was not supposed to undertake<ref>{{cite web |title=McCarrick correspondence confirms restrictions, speaks to Wuerl and China |url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2019/05/mccarrick-correspondence-confirms-restrictions-speaks-to-wuerl-and-china/ |website=Crux |access-date=19 November 2019 |date=28 May 2019}}</ref>—McCarrick would send detailed reports that he addressed to the Pope, Vatican Secretary of State Bertone, and Substitute Becciu, even receiving responses of thanks from the Secretariat of State.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Tornielli |first1=Andrea |last2=Valente |first2=Gianni |author-link1=Andrea Tornielli |title=Il Giorno del Giudizio |date=6 November 2018 |publisher=Edizioni Piemme |pages=74–75 |quote=Dopo ciascuno dei suoi viaggi, per i quali il porporato non riceve alcun mandato vaticano, McCarrick scrive dettagliati report che vengono da lui indirizzati al papa, al segretario di Stato, al sostituto della Segretaria di Stato. E riceve pure delle risposte di ringraziamento dalla Segretaria di Stato per le informazioni dondivise, spesso utili e in qualche caso considerate preziose.}}</ref> Further, according to emails leaked by Msgr. [[Anthony Figueiredo]], a former aide to McCarrick, McCarrick had plans to meet with Becciu in person on 14 February 2013, immediately before the 2013 conclave; he was also involved in helping arrange a 2016 meeting between Pope Francis and McCarrick.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Figueiredo |first1=Anthony |title=The Figueiredo Report |url=http://thefigueiredoreport.com/ |access-date=19 November 2019}}</ref> ===Financial dealings=== ====IDI==== During his time as substitute, Becciu was reportedly involved in repeated attempts to secure loans to support the Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI), a struggling hospital in Rome originally owned by the Italian province of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception (PICFIC). In July 2011, Fr. [[Franco Decaminada]], the president of the IDI, approached Becciu with a proposal that the Vatican supply the IDI with 200 million euros to take over Milan's [[San Raffaele Hospital]]. In September 2011, Decaminada hired Becciu's niece [[Maria Piera Becciu]] as his personal secretary. The proposal to buy San Raffaele ultimately came to nothing. In October 2019, Becciu professed not to remember the proposal and stated that he "never dealt with this question."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Decaminada e l'"affaire" San Raffaele: 200 milioni dall'Idi malgrado la crisi|url=https://roma.corriere.it/roma/notizie/cronaca/13_aprile_14/decaminada-affaire-san-raffaele-212638538699.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122170017/https://roma.corriere.it/roma/notizie/cronaca/13_aprile_14/decaminada-affaire-san-raffaele-212638538699.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2020|last=Sacchettoni|first=Ilaria|date=14 April 2013|work=Corriere Della Sera}}</ref><ref name="missingmillions">{{Cite news|title=Vatican cardinals linked to missing millions and financial scandal|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-cardinals-linked-to-missing-millions-in-financial-scandal-57309|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122170634/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-cardinals-linked-to-missing-millions-in-financial-scandal-57309|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 January 2020|last=Condon|first=Ed|date=29 October 2019|work=Catholic News Agency}}</ref> The IDI eventually went bankrupt in 2012 with debts of more than 800 million [[euro]]s. PICFIC was declared insolvent by an Italian court in 2013, and Decaminada was arrested in 2013 and, along with 40 other figures in the IDI's administration, was charged with using the hospital for embezzlement and money laundering, including the diversion of hundreds of thousands of euros of IDI money into an oil exploration company. Decaminada was sent to prison and laicized.<ref name="missingmillions" /><ref name="globalstorm">{{Cite news|title=How obscure Italian hospital became the eye of a global storm|url=https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2018/09/how-obscure-italian-hospital-became-the-eye-of-a-global-storm/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109190358/https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2018/09/how-obscure-italian-hospital-became-the-eye-of-a-global-storm/|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 January 2020|last=Giangravè|first=Claire|date=20 September 2018|work=Crux}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Scandalo Idi, pm Roma chiude indagini: 40 indagati e 144 capi di imputazione|url=https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2015/03/04/scandalo-idi-pm-roma-chiude-indagini-40-indagati-144-capi-imputazione/1474923/|last=Palladino|first=Andrea|date=4 March 2015|work=Il Fatto Quotidiano}}</ref> In February 2013, Benedict XVI appointed Cardinal [[Giuseppe Versaldi]] to govern the [[Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception]], PICFIC's parent order, as his pontifical delegate and to be commissioner of the IDI.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Operazione Todo Modo - Evasione per oltre 450 milioni di euro|url=http://www.gdf.gov.it/stampa/ultime-notizie/anno-2015/marzo-2015/operazione-todo-modo-evasione-per-oltre-450-milioni-di-euro|date=3 March 2015|work=Guardia di Finanza}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=IDI foundation president gives new detail on Vatican loans for hospital purchase|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/idi-foundation-president-gives-new-detail-on-vatican-loans-for-hospital-purchase-66502|date=29 November 2019|work=Catholic News Agency}}</ref><ref name="globalstorm" /> Late in 2014, Cardinals Versaldi and Becciu reportedly requested that the [[Institute for the Works of Religion]] (IOR), the Vatican's commercial bank, grant a 50 million euro loan to IDI in order to keep it afloat. Determining that the IDI would never be able to repay the loan, the IOR board in 2015 rejected the proposal, with Cardinal [[George Pell]], the prefect of the [[Secretariat for the Economy]], reportedly "vocally opposed" to it.<ref name="PellObjected">{{Cite news|title=Cardinal Pell objected to controversial Vatican hospital loan|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-pell-objected-to-vatican-hospital-loan-72188|last=Condon|first=Ed|date=5 November 2019|work=Catholic News Agency}}</ref> Becciu and Versaldi subsequently requested that the [[Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See]] (APSA) grant a similar 50 million euro loan to the Fondazione Luigi Maria Monti (FLMM), a for-profit partnership of the Vatican Secretariat of State and the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception that had been created to take over the IDI and nominally replace PICFIC as the owner the hospital.<ref name="PellObjected" /><ref name="globalstorm" /> The FLMM shared some of the same leadership personnel as PICFIC and has been described as "nothing other than the friars under a different name."<ref name="globalstorm" /><ref name="WuerlMisled">{{Cite news|title=How Cardinal Wuerl Misled the Papal Foundation|last=O'Brien|first=Matthew B.|date=12 April 2019|work=First Things}}</ref> APSA granted the loan to the FLMM, possibly in contravention of international regulatory agreements not to provide commercial loans, and in April 2015 the FLMM acquired the IDI for a reported 131 million euros.<ref name="missingmillions" /> Reportedly influenced by the lobbying of Becciu, Pope Francis subsequently withdrew oversight over APSA's investment decisions from Pell's office.<ref name="PellObjected" /> In order to remove the loan from APSA's books, officials from the Secretariat of State sought a $25 million grant in June 2017 from the U.S.-based [[Papal Foundation]]. Lay board members were reportedly initially led to believe that the loan would go to fund the IDI; in fact, the recipient of the grant was the Holy See.<ref name="WuerlMisled" /> The grant request created internal turmoil inside the Papal Foundation and the disbursement of funds was repeatedly stalled; in the end, the $13 million already disbursed to the Holy See was reclassified as a "loan" against future foundation grants. In October 2019, APSA's head conceded that it had had to write off 30 million euros of the loan after the Papal Foundation grant was stopped.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Hospital loan and Papal Foundation controversy land Vatican bank in regulatory spotlight|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/hospital-loan-and-papal-foundation-controversy-land-vatican-bank-in-regulatory-spotlight-82953|last=Condon|first=Ed|date=24 October 2019|work=Catholic News Agency}}</ref> While some sources in APSA told reporters that Becciu was behind the grant request to the Papal Foundation, Becciu denied this, stating that after [[Pietro Parolin]]'s assumption of the office of Secretary of State in 2013, he "no longer concerned [him]self with IDI." In November 2019, Cardinal Parolin claimed that he was personally responsible for the APSA loan to the FLMM and the request to the Papal Foundation.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Cardinal Parolin says he arranged controversial hospital loan, Papal Foundation grant|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-parolin-says-he-arranged-controversial-hospital-loan-papal-foundation-grant-99539|last1=Condon|first1=Ed|date=20 November 2019|access-date=26 March 2019|work=Catholic News Agency|last2=Flynn|first2=JD}}</ref> ====Falcon Oil==== At the end of 2012, Angolan businessman [[Antonio "Mosquito" Mbakassi]],{{efn|Antonio "Mosquito" Mbakassi is referred to in journalistic sources sometimes simply as "Antonio Mosquito"; his surname is sometimes spelled M'bakassi<ref>{{Cite news|title=Après 1997, les offres de services de l'homme d'affaires, à droite comme à gauche|url=https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/InterNews/LeMonde/issues/2001/monde.20010117.pdf|last=Smith|first=Stephen|date=17 January 2001|work=Le Monde|page=8}}</ref> and Mbakassy;<ref name="Mosquito_takes_control" /> and his nickname is sometimes spelled "Mesquita."<ref>{{Cite book|title=Angola's War Economy: The Role of Oil and Diamonds.|publisher=Institute for Security Studies|year=2000|isbn=978-0-620-26645-1|location=Pretoria|pages=228|editor-last=Cilliers|editor-first=Jakkie|editor-last2=Dietrich|editor-first2=Christian}}</ref>}} an "oligarch"<ref>{{Citation|title=A Crude Awakening: The Role of the Oil and Banking Industries in Angola's Civil War and the Plunder of State Assets|url=https://cdn.globalwitness.org/archive/files/pdfs/a%20crude%20awakening.pdf|publication-date=1 December 1999|publisher=Global Witness Ltd.}}</ref><ref name="Mosquito_takes_control">{{Cite news|title=Mosquito takes control of Kwanza Invest|date=6 November 2019|work=Africa Intelligence: West Africa Newsletter}}</ref> with close ties to the family of president José Eduardo dos Santos,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Oil and Governance: State-Owned Enterprises and the World Energy Supply|last=Heller|first=Patrick R. P.|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2011|pages=864|editor-last=Victor|editor-first=David G.|chapter=Angola's Sonangol: Dexterous Right Hand of the State|editor-last2=Hults|editor-first2=David R.|editor-last3=Thurber|editor-first3=Mark C.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Banking on Fixers|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/financial-mail/20160610/281917362346963|last=Sharife|first=Khadija|date=10 June 2016|work=Financial Mail}}</ref> who had met Becciu during the latter's time as nuncio to Angola, directly approached the Vatican secretariat of state to propose that the Holy See invest US$200 million in an oil exploration project to be carried out by his company Falcon Oil Holdings SA.<ref name="junno">{{Cite web |url=https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/06/holy-oil-trial-sheds-new-light-on-proposed-vatican-investment |title='Holy oil': Trial sheds new light on proposed Vatican investment |date=2022-06-02 |access-date=2022-06-07 |website=Crux |last=Arocho Esteves |first=Junno |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602144243/https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2022/06/holy-oil-trial-sheds-new-light-on-proposed-vatican-investment |archive-date=2022-06-02}}</ref>{{efn|Falcon Oil Holdings SA, registered in Panama, is not connected with Falcon Oil and Gas of West Virginia.<ref>{{Citation|title=All The Presidents' Men|pages=31|url=https://cdn.globalwitness.org/archive/files/import/all_the_presidents_men.pdf|publication-date=1 March 2002|publisher=Global Witness Ltd.}}</ref>}} According to 2022 court testimony by Fabrizio Tirabassi, Becciu met with Mosquito and then asked Msgr. Alberto Perlasca, the former head of the Vatican Secretariat of State's administrative office, to evaluate the proposal. Perlasca asked investment manager Enrico Crasso to assess the proposal; In turn, [[Credit Suisse]], which served as the banker and financial adviser to the secretariat, recommended that Crasso turn to WRM, the family office and investment fund of London-based Italian financier [[Raffaele Mincione]], to perform due diligence on the potential loan. According to Tirabassi, Mincione's study cost the Vatican $500,000 and took over a year. WRM advised against the loan on the grounds of financial and reputational risk, and the money was instead invested in a London property deal through Mincione. In 2022 court testimony, Crasso testified that he had blocked the oil investment on the grounds that it was too risky.<ref name="junno" /><ref>{{Cite news|title=Vatican spent over a year examining Angolan oil investment|url=https://www.ft.com/content/1f6e9356-f002-11e9-ad1e-4367d8281195|date=18 October 2019|work=Financial Times}}</ref> On 7 October 2020, Becciu's lawyer stated that Becciu had been accused of, but denied, using Holy See money to invest in Mosquito's business activities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.adnkronos.com/fatti/cronaca/2020/10/07/vaticano-becciu-estraneo-qualunque-illecito-sempre-fedele-papa_NTWa2VEOpaV0fkqTJ8OiLO.html|title=Vaticano, Becciu: "Estraneo a qualunque fatto illecito, sempre fedele al Papa"|date=2020-10-07|website=adnkronos}}</ref> ====London investment==== Unnamed sources within the Vatican alleged in 2015 that Becciu attempted to conceal a $200 million London real estate purchase in violation of accounting rules regulating [[creative accounting]].<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 12 March 2020 | url = https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vaticans-200-million-london-property-deal-financed-with-borrowed-money-sources-say-84311 | title = Vatican's $200 million London property deal financed with borrowed money, sources say | work = Catholic News Agency | date = 4 November 2019}}</ref> According to statements made to a UK court by businessman [[Gianluigi Torzi]], a broker involved in the London property deal, a lay Secretariat of State employee named [[Fabrizio Tirabassi]] "openly admitted" blackmailing Becciu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/torzi-talks-threats-blackmail-and|title=Torzi talks: Threats, blackmail, and prostitutes feature in UK court ruling on Vatican finance|date=2021-03-24|access-date=2021-03-31|website=The Pillar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324223031/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/torzi-talks-threats-blackmail-and|archive-date=2021-03-24}}</ref> In July 2021 a Vatican judge ordered Becciu and others to stand trial, charged with financial crimes relating to the London investment. Becciu said he was "the victim of a conspiracy" and protested his "absolute innocence".<ref name=trial/> The [[BBC]] commented that the Pope's sanctioning the indictment and trial of a cardinal who was a senior member of the Vatican hierarchy and reported to be a friend of Francis indicated his intention to take unprecedented action to clean up the Church's reputation regarding financial misdeeds, at the risk of publicly revealing the possible mismanagement of the Holy See's finances.<ref name=trial/> ==Special Delegate to the Knights of Malta== On 2 February 2017, Pope Francis named him his Special Delegate to the [[Sovereign Military Order of Malta]], following a public dispute between the Pope and the Grand Master of the Order, [[Matthew Festing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2017/02/04/0075/00185.html | access-date =7 February 2017 | date = 2 February 2017 | language = it | title = Lettera Pontificia al Sostituto per gli Affari Generali della Segreteria di Stato per la nomina a Delegato Speciale presso il Sovrano Militare Ordine di Malta | website = Holy See}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency= Catholic News Agency | access-date = 4 February 2017| date = 4 February 2017 | first= Elise | last = Harris | url = https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/pope-names-arhbishop-becciu-personal-delegate-to-order-of-malta-33093/ | title= Pope names Archbishop Becciu personal delegate to Order of Malta}}</ref> In a letter dated 15 April, Becciu instructed Festing not to travel to Rome for the election of his successor at the end of April. He wrote that many members of the Order felt his presence would "reopen wounds" and prevent a return to harmony.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pentin|first1=Edward|title=Vatican Orders Matthew Festing Not to Travel to Rome for Order of Malta Election|url=http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/vatican-orders-matthew-festing-not-to-travel-to-rome-for-order-of-malta-ele|access-date=19 April 2017|work=National Catholic Register|date=19 April 2017}}</ref> Festing disregarded this injunction, came to Rome and participated in the election of his successor. Becciu withdrew his letter.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} Becciu's original mandate was to expire upon the election of a new Grand Master.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} When [[Giacomo dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto]] was elected Grand Master on 2 May 2018, Pope Francis extended Becciu's mandate indefinitely.<ref>{{cite press release | access-date = 4 May 2018 | title = Letter of the Holy Father to the Special Delegate at the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (S.M.O.M.), 04.05.2018 | date= 4 May 2018 | publisher = Holy See Press Office | url = https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/05/04/180504b.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-extends-mandate-of-special-delegate-to-knights-of-malta-24261 | first = Hannah | last= Brockhaus | title = Pope Francis extends mandate of special delegate to Knights of Malta | access-date = 4 May 2018 | date= 4 May 2018 | agency = Catholic News Agency}}</ref> On 1 November 2020, Pope Francis replaced Becciu as Special Delegate to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta with [[Silvano Maria Tomasi|Silvano Tomasi]].<ref name="tomasi">{{cite press release | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 1 November 2020 | date= 1 November 2020 | language = it | title = Lettera Pontificia al Cardinale eletto Silvano Maria Tomasi per la nomina a Delegato Speciale presso il Sovrano Militare Ordine di Malta, 01.11.2020 | url = http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2020/11/01/0567/01314.html }}</ref> ==Cardinal and prefect== On 20 May 2018, Pope Francis announced he would make Becciu a [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|cardinal]] on 28 June,<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 20 May 2018 | date= 20 May 2018| language = it| url = http://www.lastampa.it/2018/05/20/vaticaninsider/concistoro-a-giugno-ecco-i-nuovi-cardinali-di-francesco-H3E7fdAalZI0ZY1HlitjUJ/pagina.html |publisher= La Stampa | title= Concistoro a giugno, ecco i nuovi cardinali di Francesco |first= Andrea | last= Tornielli }}</ref> and on 26 May the Holy See announced he would end his term as Substitute on 29 June and become Prefect of the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] at the end of August.<ref name=pr20180526>{{cite press release | publisher = Holy See Press Office | access-date = 26 May 2018 | date=26 May 2018|url = http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/05/26/180526b.html | title = Resignations and Appointments, 26.05.2018}}</ref> At the 28 June consistory, he became Cardinal-Deacon of [[San Lino, Rome|San Lino]].<ref>{{cite press release |access-date = 2 September 2018 | date= 28 May 2018| language = it| url = http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2018/06/28/0495/01091.html |publisher= Holy See Press Office | title= Concistoro Ordinario Pubblico: Assegnazione dei Titoli, 28.06.2018 }}</ref> He was the seventh cardinal from Sardinia.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 30 March 2021 | url = https://notizie.tiscali.it/cronaca/articoli/vaticano-becciu-torna-sardegna-per-feste/ | language = it | date = 29 December 2020 | title =Il cardinale Becciu torna in Sardegna per feste Natale e celebra messa nella sua Pattada | work = Tiscali Italia }}</ref> Becciu became Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints on 31 August 2018, succeeding Cardinal [[Angelo Amato]].<ref name=pr20180526/> ===Financial scandal, resignation as Prefect, and renunciation of Cardinal privileges=== On 24 September 2020, Pope Francis requested Becciu's resignation as Prefect and his renunciation of his prerogatives as a cardinal, after Becciu was accused of embezzlement and nepotism.<ref name=associatearrest /><ref name=becciuresign /> While Becciu retained his cardinal's title, he lost his right to participate in a future papal conclave or consistory, and his right to be tried by the Pope alone.<ref name=becciuresign>{{Cite web|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-cardinal-angelo-becciu-resigns-from-office-and-rights-of-cardinals-60883|title=Vatican Cardinal Angelo Becciu resigns from office and 'rights' of cardinals|date=24 September 2020|access-date=24 September 2020|website=Catholic News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/09/25/cardinal-becciu-pope-francis-resignation-embezzlement|title=Cardinal Becciu denies wrongdoing, says Pope Francis asking for his resignation was 'surreal'|date=2020-09-25|website=America|last=O'Connell|first=Gerard}}</ref> The Order of Malta later announced that his role as Special Delegate to the Knights of Malta ended in October 2020<ref>{{cite web | access-date = 3 November 2020 | url = https://www.orderofmalta.int/2020/11/01/archbishop-silvano-tomasi-new-special-delegate-sovereign-order-of-malta/ | website = Order of Malta | title = Archbishop Silvano Tomasi is the new Special Delegate to the Sovereign Order of Malta | date = 1 November 2020 | quote = Archbishop Silvano Tomasi succeeds Cardinal Angelo Becciu who held the office from February 2017 to October 2020. | archive-date = 29 January 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220129234323/https://www.orderofmalta.int/2020/11/01/archbishop-silvano-tomasi-new-special-delegate-sovereign-order-of-malta/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> and he was replaced in that office on 1 November.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/what-does-it-mean-for-becciu-to-lose-his-rights-as-a-cardinal-16615|title=What does it mean for Becciu to lost his rights as a cardinal|date=24 September 2020|access-date=25 September 2020|website=Catholic News Agency}}</ref><ref name="tomasi" /> On 14 October 2020, [[Cecilia Marogna]], a business associate of Becciu, was arrested in Milan, Italy, after she was implicated for receiving 500,000 euros (US$587,350) from funds that had been intended to finance a "parallel diplomacy" program to help African conflict zones.<ref name=associatearrest /> These funds were embezzled while Becciu was still serving as the Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State in 2018.<ref name=becciumoney /><ref name=associatearrest>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-vatican-finances-arrest/italian-woman-in-vatican-financial-scandal-investigation-arrested-idUSKBN26Y2YA|title=Italian woman in Vatican financial scandal investigation arrested|first=Philip|last=Puella|publisher=Reuters|date=October 14, 2020|access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref> The arrest warrant, which had been issued by the Vatican, involves embezzlement and aggravated misappropriation in complicity with others.<ref name=associatearrest /> On 18 November 2020, Becciu sued the weekly magazine ''L'Espresso'' in civil court in [[Sassari]], [[Sardinia]], Italy, for ten million euros to be given to charity, claiming it had damaged his reputation and prospects of becoming pope by making unsourced claims of embezzling Vatican funds to enrich his family.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 22 November 2020 | url = https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/cardinal-becciu-sues-lespresso-for-defamation-lawyers-say-magazine-blocked-his-chances-to-become-pope/13369 | work = La Croix | date= 20 November 2020 | title = Quarter!Cardinal Becciu sues "L'Espresso" for defamation, lawyers say magazine blocked his chances to become pope | first = Loup | last = Besmond de Senneville }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | access-date = 22 November 2020 | url = https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2020/11/vatican-cardinal-says-ouster-deprived-him-of-possible-papacy/ | work = Crux | date= 20 November 2020 | title = Vatican cardinal says ouster deprived him of possible papacy | agency = Associated Press | first = Nicole | last = Winfield }}</ref> ===Vatican court indictment === On 3 July 2021, a Vatican judge indicted Becciu on multiple charges, including embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, extortion, and abuse of office.<ref name=Rocca/><ref name=Pullella>{{cite news |last1=Pullella |first1=Philip |title=Vatican judge indicts 10, including a cardinal, for alleged financial crimes |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/vatican-judge-indicts-10-including-cardinal-alleged-financial-crimes-2021-07-03/ |access-date=3 July 2021 |work=Reuters |date=3 July 2021}}</ref> Pope Francis personally approved his indictment.<ref name=Pullella/> Also indicted were ten other people,<ref name=Rocca/><ref name=Pullella/> four of whom were former Vatican officials and five of whom were outsiders.<ref name=Rocca/> The other churchmen charged were a former head and deputy head of the Vatican's internal financial monitor and two former employees of the Secretariat of State,<ref name=Rocca/> including a priest who formerly served as secretary to Becciu.<ref name=Pullella/> The outsiders charged included two Italian brokers and an Italian woman who worked for Becciu.<ref name=Rocca/><ref name=Pullella/> After he was charged, Becciu said that he was "the victim of a plot hatched against me" and was innocent.<ref name=Rocca/> ====Trial==== On 27 July 2021, the trial against him at a Holy See court opened. Becciu appeared in person in court and denied any wrongdoing. He asked the court not to order his arrest and the trial was adjourned.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pullella |first1=Philip |title=Accused cardinal in court as Vatican fraud trial opens and is adjourned |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/accused-cardinal-court-vatican-fraud-trial-opens-is-adjourned-2021-07-27/ |access-date=28 July 2021 |work=Reuters |date=27 July 2021}}</ref> Becciu, who became the first Catholic Cardinal to testify in Vatican criminal court, again denied wrongdoing when he testified on 17 March 2022.<ref name=trialunderway>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/17/world/europe/cardinal-giovanni-angelo-becciu-vatican-trial.html#:~:text=The%20trial%20began%20on%20July,to%20defend%20their%20clients%20effectively.|title=In a First, a Cardinal Testifies in a Vatican Criminal Trial |first=Elisabetta|last=Povoledo|work=New York Times|date=17 March 2022|accessdate=16 April 2022}}</ref> On 9 March 2023, the Vatican prosecutor Alessandro Diddi introduced correspondence between Pope Francis and Becciu as part of the evidence against Becciu. In the letters, Francis denied both to having authorized Becciu to hire a woman to help secure the release of a kidnapped nun in Mali or to invest Vatican money in a London business.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wooden |first1=Cindy |title=Letters from pope entered into evidence at Vatican trial |url=https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/letters-pope-entered-evidence-vatican-trial |access-date=19 April 2023 |work=National Catholic Reporter |date=10 March 2023}}</ref> On 16 December 2023, the Vatican announced that he had been found guilty and sentenced "to five years and six months imprisonment, perpetual disqualification from public office, and an eight thousand euro fine".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cernuzio |first1=Salvatore |title=Vatican trial defendants sentenced to total of 37 years in prison |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/vatican-trial-defendants-sentenced-total-37-years-prison.html |access-date=16 December 2023 |date=16 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen Jr. |first=John L. |date=2023-12-16 |title=Cardinal sentenced to five and a half years in jail in Vatican 'trial of the century' |url=https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/12/cardinal-sentenced-to-five-and-a-half-years-in-jail-in-vatican-trial-of-the-century/ |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=[[Crux (online newspaper)]] |language=en}}</ref> Becciu has indicated that he will appeal the verdict.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-16 |title=Becciu to appeal 'absurd' criminal conviction |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/becciu-to-appeal-absurd-criminal |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=The Pillar |language=en}}</ref> == Honour == * {{ITA}}: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (18 April 2015)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Le onorificenze della Repubblica Italiana |url=https://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/insigniti/338386 |access-date= October 24, 2022|website=www.quirinale.it}}</ref> ==See also== * [[Cardinals created by Francis]] ==Notes== {{Notelist}} ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== * {{cite web| access-date = 28 June 2018| title= Becciu Card. Giovanni Angelo |publisher= [[Holy See Press Office]] | url= http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_becciu_ga.html | url-status=live | archive-date= 28 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180628210603/http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_becciu_ga.html }} {{s-start}} {{s-dip}} {{s-bef|before=[[Aldo Cavalli]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Apostolic Nuncio to Angola]]|years=2001–2009}} {{s-aft|after=[[Novatus Rugambwa]]}} |- {{s-bef|before=[[Luigi Bonazzi]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Apostolic Nunciature to Cuba|Apostolic Nuncio to Cuba]]|years=2009–2011}} {{s-aft|after=[[Bruno Musarò]]}} |- {{s-rel|ca}} {{s-bef|before=[[Fernando Filoni]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Secretariat of State (Vatican)|Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State]]|years=2011–2018}} {{s-aft|after=[[Edgar Peña Parra]]}} |- {{s-bef|before=[[Giovanni Coppa]]}} {{s-ttl|title=Cardinal-Deacon of [[San Lino, Rome|San Lino]]|years=2018–present}} {{s-inc}} |- {{s-new|office}} {{s-ttl|title=Special Delegate to the [[Sovereign Military Order of Malta]]|years=2017–2020}} {{s-aft|after=[[Silvano Maria Tomasi]]}} |- {{s-bef|before=[[Angelo Amato]]}} {{s-ttl|title=Prefect of the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]]|years=2018–2020}} {{s-aft|after=[[Marcello Semeraro]]}} {{s-end}} {{List of Catholic Cardinals|state=collapsed}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Becciu, Giovanni Angelo}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:1948 births]] [[Category:Cardinals created by Pope Francis]] [[Category:21st-century Italian Roman Catholic titular archbishops]] [[Category:21st-century Italian cardinals]] [[Category:Apostolic Nuncios to Cuba]] [[Category:Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy alumni]] [[Category:Apostolic Nuncios to Angola]] [[Category:Apostolic Nuncios to São Tomé and Príncipe]] [[Category:People from the Province of Sassari]] [[Category:Members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] [[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]]'