VATICAN CITY, JULY 27, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI received in audience the Commission of Cardinals investigating the leak of Vatican documents.
According to a communique released by the Vatican press office, the commission discussed their findings with the Holy Father. The cardinals leading the investigation are Cardinal Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council of Legislative Texts and chairman of the commission, along with Cardinal Jozef Tomko and Cardinal Salvatore De Giorgi.
The cardinals were accompanied by Fr. Luigi Martignani O.F.M. Cap., secretary of the Commission, Examining Magistrate Piero Antonio Bonnet, and Promoter of Justice Nicola Picardi of the Tribunal of Vatican City State.
«The Holy Father was informed about the conclusions reached by the Commission of Cardinals, and about the progress of the criminal procedures currently underway. He thanked them for the information he had received and invited the Vatican magistrates to proceed expeditiously.» the statement read.
Also present at the meeting was Archbishop Angelo Becciu, substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Monsignor Georg Gaenswein, private secretary to the Holy Father, Domenico Giani, director of the Vatican Gendarmerie, and Gregory Burke, communications consultant of the Secretariat of State.
Last week, it was announced that Paolo Gabriele, the Holy Father’s former personal assistant who is accused of stealing the documents, was granted provisory liberty and will remain in house arrest until it is determined whether the investigation merits a trial or an acquittal.
