With Becciu out, attention has turned to the remaining contenders. Among the 133 cardinal-electors under age 80, several names have emerged as frontrunners.

Becciu was convicted of embezzlement and fraud in 2023 and handed a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence. He is the first cardinal to be convicted by the Vatican’s criminal court.

Cardinals attend a final Mass celebrated by cardinals inside St. Peter's Basilica before the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Pope Benedict decreed a conclave could be held as soon as all voting cardinals are present. All cardinals under 80 when the papacy is vacated are eligible to participate.

On Tuesday, Becciu, 76, the once-powerful Italian cardinal, formally withdrew his participation in the May 7 conclave to elect Pope Francis ’ successor, after days of uncertainty about his status.

Italian Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu on Tuesday, April 29, renounced his right to participate in the upcoming papal conclave, in line with the wishes of the late Pope Francis.