Vatican finance trial

The Latest

A hearing in the Vatican finance trial is held on Nov. 17, 2021.

Cardinal Becciu questioned on investments as his former deputy seeks damages

May 5, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Becciu read out a 50-page declaration asserting his innocence at a Vatican finance trial hearing. Read more

Tommaso Di Ruzza, director of the AIF, speaks at a briefing on the authority's annual report, alongside Alessandro Gisotti and Rene Bruelhart, May 21, 2019.

Ex-director says Pope Francis wanted Vatican financial watchdog to help close London deal

Apr 28, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Tommaso Di Ruzza was questioned during an April 27 hearing in the ongoing Vatican finance trial. Read more

A hearing in the Vatican finance trial on Nov. 17, 2021.

Cardinal Becciu not bound by pontifical secret in Vatican finance trial, judge rules

Mar 30, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

The judge said Pope Francis had dispensed Becciu from the obligation of the pontifical secret. Read more

Cardinal Angelo Becciu.

‘I am not afraid’ of the truth, says Cardinal Becciu in testimony at Vatican finance trial

Mar 17, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Taking the stand, the cardinal said: ‘I am here with my head held high.’ Read more

Pope Francis opens the 93rd Judicial Year of the Tribunal of the Vatican City State, March 12, 2022.

Why does Pope Francis inaugurate the Vatican City State’s judicial year?

Mar 17, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Previously, the judicial year was inaugurated by the president of the Vatican City State Tribunal. Read more

Cardinal Angelo Becciu.

Vatican finance trial to continue with Cardinal Becciu first to testify

Mar 1, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Becciu said that ‘finally the hour to speak the truth has arrived.’ Read more

A hearing in the Vatican finance trial is held on Nov. 17, 2021.

Vatican finance trial: Financial authority joins trial as civil party

Feb 18, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Becciu, one of 10 defendants, gave a statement to the media on the sidelines of the hearing. Read more

President of the Vatican City State Tribunal Giuseppe Pignatone

Vatican finance trial: Prosecutors again charge Cardinal Becciu with subornation of perjury

Jan 25, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Becciu is also charged with embezzlement and abuse of office. He has vigorously denied all the charges. Read more

A hearing in the Vatican finance trial on Nov. 17, 2021.

Interrogation tapes in Vatican finance trial leaked to media

Dec 3, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

An Italian newspaper published the footage. Read more

A hearing in the Vatican finance trial is held on Nov. 17, 2021.

Vatican finance trial: Pope Francis’ role in London deal questioned by defense

Nov 17, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The hearing was devoted to requests by defense attorneys to dismiss the case. Read more

The Tribunal of the Vatican City State holds a hearing in a multipurpose room at the Vatican Museums.

Vatican finance trial: What’s happened so far and where is it heading?

Nov 17, 2021

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Vatican’s ‘trial of the century’ is due to resume today. Read more

Cardinal Angelo Becciu.

Cardinal Becciu says he ‘favored’ home diocese but denies scandal

Nov 15, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

He reportedly asked: ‘Why massacre me, my family, this diocese?’ Read more

A finance trial involving 10 defendants opens at the Vatican on July 27, 2021.

Vatican finance trial: Defense says there are ‘omissions’ in video files

Nov 5, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Lawyers representing six of the 10 defendants said: ‘The deposited material is ... still incomplete.’ Read more

Cardinal George Pell gives an interview to EWTN News in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 9, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.

Cardinal Pell: ‘Resistance’ in the Secretariat of State cost Vatican money in London deal

Nov 4, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

‘We had the authority to enter, but they prevented us,’ he said. Read more

The Supreme Court of Cassation in Rome, Italy.

Italy’s high court overturns arrest warrant against Vatican broker Gianluigi Torzi

Oct 14, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The case has been sent back to Rome’s Tribunal for Review. Read more

Cardinal (then Archbishop) Giovanni Angelo Becciu aboard the papal flight to Colombo, 2015.

5 things to know about the Vatican finance trial involving Cardinal Becciu

Oct 4, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The second hearing in the historic trial is set for October 5, 2021. Read more

Giovanni Angelo Becciu, former prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, pictured June 27, 2019.

Cardinal Becciu present at first day of Vatican finance trial

Jul 27, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Becciu is one of 10 defendants in the Vatican’s largest trial for financial crimes in modern times. Read more