Vatican City, Sep 29, 2012 / 08:20 am
The trial of the Pope Benedict XVI's former butler began this morning at the Vatican as the 46-year-old Paolo Gabriele faced charges that he stole confidential Vatican documents.
Gabriele made no plea and remained silent throughout his appearance before a panel of three judges in the Vatican courtroom on Sept. 29. Wearing a light grey suit, eyewitnesses say Gabriele's demeanor varied from tense to jovial.
The hearing lasted for just over two hours before being adjourned until Tuesday, Oct. 2. The trial could be dealt with in as little as four sessions.
The Vatican court typically deals with around 30 cases a year but they involve minor crimes like bags being stolen or other crimes that target tourists. The last major crime for the Vatican was the 1998 murder of the commander of the Swiss Guard and his wife. The alleged killer, a fellow Swiss Guard, was never brought to trial because he committed suicide just after shooting the pair.