Summary
The Vatican’s “trial of the century” has resumed after setbacks for the pope’s prosecutors. The case concerns Cardinal Angelo Becciu and eight other defendants who were convicted of financial crimes in 2023 during a two-year trial. Recently, the Vatican High Court of Cassation upheld a lower court decision to dismiss the prosecutors’ appeal entirely, meaning defendants can only see their verdicts improved if not overturned. Chief prosecutor Alessandro Diddi dropped his objections and resigned abruptly from the case, amid allegations that he had been involved in questionable WhatsApp chats that suggested misconduct by Vatican police, prosecutors, and Pope Francis himself. The original trial opened in 2021 focusing on the Vatican’s investment of €350 million into a London property. Prosecutors alleged misuse of funds for personal gain. Becciu was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to 5½ years in prison. Other defendants were acquitted on some charges but found guilty of other offenses, including embezzlement and abuse of office. The appeals court now focuses on defense arguments regarding the pope’s involvement in the investigation, which led to a series of dismissals of key procedural errors.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Becciu, Diddi
