The Vatican’s chief prosecutor has staunchly defended the integrity and fairness of the city state’s justice system following criticism of Pope Francis' involvement in the “trial of the century” last year. The Vatican tribunal convicted a cardinal and eight others of financial-related crimes related to a 350 million euro investment in a London property, but has yet to explain its decisions.
The defense comes as the tribunal finalizes its written reasonings for the December 2023 verdicts. Critics have raised concerns about the fairness of the trial in an absolute monarchy where the pope holds supreme power in legislative, executive, and judicial matters.
Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi published an essay defending the trial's fairness, asserting that the tribunal and judges were independent and that the defense had ample opportunity to present its case. He refuted claims that the pope's decrees during the investigation impacted the defendants’ rights, stating they merely clarified Vatican legal norms.
Questions about the Vatican’s legal system could have implications for international cooperation and commercial contracts. The Vatican relies on other countries for law enforcement cooperation and insists on handling contract disputes in its own tribunal. The fairness of the Vatican court may affect negotiations and reviews by international bodies like the Council of Europe’s Moneyval commission.
In a related development, a London-based financier involved in the case is seeking to clear his name through a counter-suit in the British High Court. The Vatican has rejected claims of rights violations, stating that the investigation followed all relevant laws and agreements.
The defendants have announced appeals against the Vatican tribunal's verdicts, indicating ongoing legal challenges in the high-profile case.
