Pope accepts resignation of Cardinal Becciu

Cardinal Becciu

Source: Vatican News/ Adnkronos/Il Messaggero

On Thursday, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Giovanni Becciu as Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and to rights connected with the cardinalate.

The Holy See Press Office issued the following statement on Thursday evening: "Today, Thursday, 24 September, the Holy Father accepted the resignation from the office of Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and from the rights connected with the Cardinalate, presented by His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu."

Cardinal Becciu, aged 72, is the first prefect of a Vatican department in modern times to renounce his cardinalatial privileges, which includes voting in a conclave.

When contacted this evening by Italian news, Adnkronos, the cardinal replied: "I prefer silence."

In recent months, Cardinal Becciu has faced questions about the 2012 purchase of a luxury property in Chelsea, London with Church funds. That deal is now under investigation by Vatican police.

According to Il Messaggero, Thursday's move by Pope Francis was not based on that property deal but on evidence of another alleged financial irregularity, connected to the transfer of €100,000 to a charity which helps refugees, run by his brother in his diocese of Ozieri in Sardinia.

Cardinal Becciu has always defended his actions, but the Pope has signalled his determination to get to the bottom of the case as part of a plan to bring about comprehensive Vatican financial reforms.