His lawyers also claim the reports hindered their client’s chance to become pope himself, since he was until then considered a likely successor or “papabile.”
The fact that Becciu will no longer be able to attend the conclave could also undermine the entire election process, the document states, since it might lead to “divisions in the church” regarding “the validity of the election of the Holy Father, with all the doctrinal implications that could derive from it.”
Becciu’s lawyer at the Vatican trial, Fabio Viglione, confirmed to Religion News Service on Monday that his client was invited to attend the consistory by the pope. He declined to comment on the implications this decision has on the ongoing Vatican trial.
Viglione also said the lawsuit against l’Espresso is ongoing.
The Vatican told RNS it does not plan to release a statement on this issue at the present time.
This article originally appeared here.
 that the pope plans to restore his privileges and allow him to attend the upcoming summit of cardinals.){kind=link}