For the first time, the cardinal was condemned by the Vatican judiciary. The financial trial against Angelo Becciu lasted more than two years.
Pomegranate. For the first time in the history of the Church, a cardinal was convicted by a Vatican criminal court. At the trial relating to a loss-making real estate deal in London, Angelo Becciu was found guilty of fraud and embezzlement. He was sentenced to five years and six months in prison. In addition, Becciu will have to pay a fine of 8,000 euros.
Detailed reasons for the judgment are expected in the coming weeks. “We respect the verdict, but we will certainly appeal,” said Fabio Viglione, Beccius’ lawyer. The cardinal is innocent. Vatican prosecutor Alessandro Diddi told newspaper Corriere della Sera that the verdict “confirms the illegal conspiracy that we portray.” He describes the process as “unprecedented” for Vatican City.