On Tuesday, Oct. 5, the court will reconvene at the Vatican.
It's the next part of the trial against Card. Angelo Becciu and nine other defendants accused of misdeeds involving Secretariat of State funds.
The main focus is the shady investment of about $400 million on a London property. The botched deal resulted in a loss of between $100 million and $200 million.
The court will have to respond to the objections presented by defense lawyers at the first hearing on July 27.
LEONARDO MAZZA
Card. Angelo Becciu's Lawyer
“We presented objections regarding the constitution of the court and the validity of some investigative actions that violated the defendants' rights.”
FABIO VIGLIONE
Card. Angelo Becciu's Defense
“We're at the beginning. Evidence will have to be presented. There is a lot of confidence and peace and a strong desire to prove the Cardinal's complete innocence.”
The events being judged began in 2013, when the Secretariat of State bought a building in London, to transform it into a luxury apartment building.
Card. Angelo Becciu was responsible for those investments at the time.
He says he is innocent. But the Cardinal is accused of embezzlement, abuse of power and of inciting subordinates to carry out illegal tasks.
Although the Pope obligated him to renounce his rights and duties as Cardinal, in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, Pope Francis said he hopes Card. Becciu will be found innocent.
POPE FRANCIS
“I want with all my heart that he be found innocent. Besides, he was my collaborator and helped me a lot. He is a person for whom I have a certain esteem. My hope is that everything goes well.”
Among the other defendants are various brokers who mediated the shady negotiations in exchange for disproportionate commissions; and the two top officials of the financial security body, who supposedly did nothing to prevent these payments.
JMB
TR: CT
