Top Vatican official, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu has resigned.
"The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the office of Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and from the rights connected to the Cardinalate, presented by His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu," a statement from the Vatican.
The Holy See says that he was forced to resign by Pope Francis on embezzlement claims.
"It's all surreal. Up until yesterday... I felt I was a friend of the Pope, the faithful executor of the Pope.
"Then the Pope told me that he no longer had faith in me because he got a report from magistrates that I committed an act of misappropriation."
A close aide to Pope Francis, 72-year-old Cardinal Becciu was suspected of transferring church money to his brothers, and investing in real estate in London, an allegation which he vehemently denies, adding that he never stole even one euro.
“The Holy Father explained that I had given favours to my brothers and their businesses with Church money… but I am certain there are no crimes”, he told the press.
"I didn't steal even one euro. I am not under investigation but if they send me to trial, I will defend myself," he added.
Despite resigning from the office of the Congregation, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu will maintain his title, but his right to voting the next Pope has been cut off.
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