At the end of October, the reasons for the first-degree sentence against Cardinal Becciu were published. The former number three of the Holy See was sentenced to five and a half years in prison, a fine of $8,000 and the perpetual impossibility of holding public office in the Vatican.
The court holds that his management of the sale and purchase of a property in London was irresponsible. This resulted in losses in the millions of dollars. Becciu was also convicted of defrauding the Vatican in another operation. He was supposed to spend more than $500,000 for the release of a nun kidnapped in Mali. However, the release went through other channels and everything indicates that the money was used to enrich the alleged intermediary. Becciu, according to the court, did it on purpose.
Finally, the judge also sentenced him for a donation of $125,000 to an Italian Caritas. The magistrates understand that the operation, in reality, was to benefit a brother of the cardinal, who was supposed to receive that sum.
After learning the reasons for the sentence against Cardinal Becciu, among others, Vatican News published an article describing the entire judicial process as "fair and transparent".
The cardinal has responded through a letter in which he explains his doubts on the matter. It is the first time that the cardinal has spoken after the publication of the reasons for the sentence.
He recalls that he was convicted for embezzlement, a crime that presupposes having stolen or having enriched himself; which in no case happened. He also reiterates that in the trial, from his point of view, the right to defense was not sufficiently protected. He points out that a court must judge facts and not presumed intentions and recalls that the sentence he received is not final but in the first degree.
Becciu therefore criticizes the tone of the Vatican News article because it seems to imply that the story of this trial has come to an end. For the cardinal, there is still a lot of story to tell.
TR: JD
