Former Adviser to the Pope, Cardinal Angelo Becciu, Sentenced to Prison for Fraud and Embezzlement
In a historic decision, Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former adviser to the Pope, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for his involvement in fraud and embezzlement. This marks the first time that a Vatican criminal court has convicted such a high-ranking Catholic Church official.
The trial, which lasted for an extensive two and a half years and featured 86 sessions, shed light on the internal conflicts and intrigues within the Vatican. Ten defendants, including Becciu, were accused of crimes such as fraud, abuse of office, and money laundering. Despite their denial of any wrongdoing, the court found them guilty.
At the center of the case was the Vatican’s secretariat of state’s purchase of a building in London. Becciu had invested over $200 million with Italian financier Raffaele Mincione’s fund, which was later found guilty of embezzlement and money laundering. The Vatican ended up selling the building last year at a staggering loss of around $150 million.
Furthermore, Becciu was found guilty of embezzlement in directing money and contracts to companies controlled by his brothers. An additional significant revelation during the trial was Becciu’s involvement in a secret project to aid in the release of a kidnapped nun. To carry out this mission, he hired Cecilia Marogna, a self-styled security analyst, who received a stunning amount of 575,000 euros from the Vatican. It was later discovered that she spent the funds on lavish personal expenses, including luxury goods and health spas. Marogna has been ordered by the court to return the money to the Vatican.
Alongside Becciu, other individuals implicated in the scandal, including a banker and Vatican employees, were also convicted on various charges. As part of the verdict, the court has ordered the defendants to repay over 100 million euros to the Vatican.
Although Pope Francis dismissed Becciu from his subsequent position, the former adviser still retains his cardinal status. This unprecedented case exposes deep-rooted issues within the Catholic Church and serves as a stern reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their standing or position. As the Catholic Church continues to grapple with internal conflicts, the verdict reminds the public of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within religious institutions.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”