October 31, 2024
The exceptional gravity of the facts, the extent of the embezzlement even without personal profit and the apical role of the cardinal. These are the pillars of the trial of the century, the debate that arose from the affair of the London palace, which resulted in the conviction at first instance of the then head of the Vatican Secretariat of State, Angelo Becciu. For the first time in the history of the Church, a college of lay people has issued a guilty verdict against a cardinal: Becciu, who proclaims himself innocent, was sentenced in the first instance to five and a half years of imprisonment for two embezzlements and one aggravated fraud , together with the main protagonists of the sale of the Sloane Avenue building, victims of the Anti-Mafia dossier by the financier Pasquale Striano and then ended up in the exclusive of L’Espresso, the scoop accompanied by confidential documents which had opened the case of the management of the Vatican funds. After three years of investigation, 29 months of trial and the ruling of the Vatican Tribunal, presided over by Giuseppe Pignatone (in the small photo), last December, the reasons on the basis of which the panel issued the unfavorable verdict to the defendants.
«The exceptional gravity of the facts (considered individually and as a whole) is clearly evident, in relation both to the size of the sums of money (200 million US dollars) involved in the embezzlement, and to the continuation of the criminal conduct over the period of several years and in completely heterogeneous contexts, both – above all – for the quality and for the top role held by the accused”, we read in the 819 pages of the reasons. Although Becciu, deputy of the Secretariat of State from 2011 to 2018, did not steal even a cent from Peter’s Pence, according to the Court the crime of embezzlement was committed even if there was no “profit purpose”. This is why the judges still condemned the cardinal, as well as Raffaele Mincione, the financier who owned the London building, the broker Gianluigi Torzi, the Sardinian manager Cecilia Marogna and other co-defendants. Regarding the London affair, the judges are convinced that the embezzlement is confirmed as “the desire to use the assets in conflict with the interests” of the Holy See has emerged.
“It certainly cannot be denied that the illicit use of the Church’s assets”, we read, “resulted in an obvious and significant advantage for Mincione and his associates as a direct consequence of the illicit conduct” of Cardinal Becciu: nothing matters “that he did not intend to act with the aim of profit, nor that he did not obtain any advantage”, since the regulations in force require a “prudent” administration, aimed first and foremost at the conservation of the assets, even when he tries to increase it, evaluating the opportunities for gain even if linked to a possible and in any case limited possibility of loss”. Therefore the investment in the hedge fund «certainly constitutes an “illicit use” of those ecclesiastical public assets which the then Substitute Becciu had available due to his office and of which he knew well the nature and, consequently, the related legal limits of employment”. The cardinal was also convicted of a second embezzlement, concerning a payment of 125 thousand euros to the Diocese of Ozieri which, according to the accusation, was a loan to his brother’s coop. Too bad that money is still in the account. “I have not stolen anything, ever,” the cardinal, who will appeal, continued to affirm yesterday.
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**Interview with Vatican Expert Dr. Maria Rossi on Cardinal Becciu’s Conviction**
**Host:** Welcome to today’s program. We’re joined by Dr. Maria Rossi, a leading expert on Vatican affairs, to discuss the recent conviction of Cardinal Angelo Becciu in a landmark corruption trial. Dr. Rossi, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The conviction of Cardinal Becciu is historic, being the first time a senior official of the Catholic Church has faced such charges. Can you explain the significance of this verdict?
**Dr. Rossi:** Absolutely. This trial represents a seismic shift in the accountability within the Church. For centuries, high-ranking officials have operated within a bubble of impunity, but this conviction — particularly for embezzlement involving large sums and the role Becciu played — signals that the Vatican is serious about combating corruption. It sends a strong message that no one is above the law, not even a cardinal.
**Host:** The trial was lengthy, lasting over two years. What were the key factors that led to the conviction?
**Dr. Rossi:** The primary factors included the scale of the embezzlement — around $200 million was implicated — as well as the nature of Becciu’s actions over several years. The court found that even without personal gain, the misuse of funds in a way that conflicted with the interests of the Holy See constituted embezzlement. This understanding is particularly critical because it expands the definition of financial misconduct within the Church’s judicial framework.
**Host:** Cardinal Becciu maintains his innocence and has expressed his intention to appeal. What are the potential implications for him and the Church moving forward?
**Dr. Rossi:** An appeal seems likely, and if successful, it could reignite debates about accountability and transparency within the Church. However, if the conviction is upheld, it will likely lead to further reforms and perhaps a more rigorous examination of Vatican finances. It raises the question of how the Church will handle financial governance in the future.
**Host:** In your opinion, what should the Vatican do to prevent similar incidents in the future?
**Dr. Rossi:** Transparency and accountability are crucial. Establishing a stronger system of checks and balances, perhaps through independent oversight, would be beneficial. Additionally, the Vatican needs to encourage a culture where whistleblowing on financial misconduct is not only allowed but protected. This, combined with a commitment to reform, could help restore faith among the laity and prevent similar scandals.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights on this important issue. It’s clear that the implications of this trial extend far beyond just Cardinal Becciu.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation for the future of the Church.
