The second chapter has begun in the Vatican trial of the century; a process whose first phase ended with 9 convictions, including Cardinal Becciu, former number 3 of the Holy See and a trusted man of Pope Francis.
At the center of the scandal is a real estate operation that drained the Holy See’s wallets. The purchase and sale of a palace in London, on Sloane Avenue, caused devastating losses for the Vatican, estimated to be near 139 million euros.
The result was a first-instance verdict that seemed to satisfy no one: Becciu and other defendants appealed, requesting acquittal of charges or reduction of sentences.
The Vatican, represented by prosecutor Alessandro Diddi, also appealed the verdict. It sought a review of the convictions and the reversal of decisions that freed some of the convicted.
Adding to this is the IOR, the Vatican bank, which also disagreed with the court. They explained that the damages to the institution’s image and finances were underestimated.
With all this on the table, the week of September 22 saw the start of the first hearings of the appeal trial, which began with a surprise. The lawyers filed a motion to remove Diddi from the case for lack of impartiality.
The court accepted this motion, which will now be sent to the Court of Cassation. Cardinals Farrell, Lojudice, Zuppi, and Gambetti will decide—without a deadline—what to do with Diddi: whether he will continue representing the Vatican or step down from the case.
Adding to this hit, the Vatican suffered a second blow. The court accepted the defendants’ appeal but rejected Diddi’s appeal due to errors in deadlines and how documents were submitted.
This means that the court will now focus on the defendants’ appeal, so the sentences could, in the worst case, remain as they are or, in the best case, be modified by reduction or overruling outright.
One of the most awaited reactions was from Cardinal Becciu, who said upon leaving the trial: “It is a good sign, but there is still a long way to go.” The next hearing will be on October 6.
CA
Trans. CRT
