The Vatican tribunal has issued a verdict convicting a cardinal of aggravated fraud and embezzlement due to his involvement in a financial scandal. The tribunal's decision was based on what they described as the cardinal's 'objectively inexplicable behavior' in paying a self-styled intelligence analyst over half a million euros in Vatican funds.
The trial, which has been referred to as the 'trial of the century,' involved 10 individuals and stemmed from the Vatican's significant investment in a London property. Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former high-ranking official in the Vatican, was among the nine people convicted in the case.
Cardinal Becciu faces a sentence of five and a half years in prison after being found guilty of embezzlement, fraud, and other charges. The tribunal highlighted his role in authorizing payments to the intelligence analyst, Cecilia Marogna, who allegedly misused the funds on luxury items and vacations.
The investigation revealed that Cardinal Becciu had double-billed the Vatican by sending the same amount of money to a British security firm under the guise of a ransom payment for a kidnapped nun. Despite being informed that Marogna had misappropriated the funds, Becciu failed to take appropriate action or distance himself from her.
The tribunal emphasized that Becciu's behavior was particularly concerning given his high-ranking position within the Vatican and his close relationship with the Pope. Marogna, who was tried in absentia, was also convicted and sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.
The written motivations provided by the tribunal shed light on the complex financial transactions at the center of the scandal, including allegations of extortion and fraud. Both Cardinal Becciu and Marogna have announced plans to appeal their convictions, along with the Vatican prosecutor.
The Vatican tribunal's detailed explanations have now been filed, allowing both the prosecution and the defense to further elaborate on their arguments as they prepare for the appeals process.
