Giovanni Angelo Becciu

His Eminence

Giovanni Angelo Becciu
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
Giovanni Angelo Becciu in 2013
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
In office2018–2020
PredecessorAngelo Amato
SuccessorMarcello Semeraro
Orders
Ordination27 August 1972
Consecration1 December 2001
by Angelo Sodano
Created cardinal28 June 2018
by Pope Francis
RankCardinal-Deacon
Personal details
Birth nameGiovanni Angelo Becciu
Born (1948-06-02) June 2, 1948 (age 76)
Pattada, Italy
NationalityItalian
DenominationRoman Catholic
MottoCustos Sanctitatis Charitas
Coat of armsGiovanni Angelo Becciu's coat of arms

Giovanni Angelo Becciu (born 2 June 1948)[1] is an Italian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints from 2018 to 2020.

Early life and education

Becciu was born in Pattada, Italy. He was ordained a priest on 27 August 1972.[1][2]

Ecclesiastical career

Becciu served in various roles within the Vatican. He was appointed Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State in 2011. In 2018, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. He was made a cardinal on 28 June 2018.[1][2]

Scandals and controversies

In September 2020, Becciu resigned from his position and gave up his rights as a cardinal. He was involved in several financial scandals, including using Church money for personal projects and investments.[3][4]

In 2021, the Vatican charged Becciu and nine other people with misusing Church funds. They were accused of using money from donations and investments to buy a property in London and fund films. In December 2023, Becciu was sentenced to five years and six months in prison for his role in managing Church funds and the sale of the London property.[5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "BECCIU Card. Giovanni Angelo". press.vatican.va. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Cardinal Becciu Convicted: Six Things to Know About the Prelate and His Trial". NCR. 2023-12-19. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
  3. ↑ "Cardinal forced out in rare Vatican resignation". BBC News. 2020-09-24. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
  4. ↑ Giuffrida, Angela (2020-09-25). "Vatican cardinal says embezzlement claims against him are 'surreal'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
  5. ↑ "Sąd Watykański: kard. Becciu skazany na 5 lat 6 miesięcy pozbawienia wolności - Vatican News". www.vaticannews.va (in Polish). 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2024-07-29.

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