A Signature Font for a Timeless Legacy

A new bespoke font, designed by the Studiogusto team, will soon become a hallmark of the Basilica’s communications. This typography pays homage to the Basilica’s immense religious, artistic, and cultural heritage while offering a contemporary touch to its materials. Slated for an official launch in 2025, the font is optimized for both print and digital formats, embodying the Basilica’s dual mission of preserving history and embracing innovation. It will feature prominently on the revamped website and a new monthly magazine, seamlessly marrying clarity with aesthetic appeal.

«Piazza San Pietro»: A Magazine for the Modern Church

Set to debut under the name chosen by Pope Francis himself, Piazza San Pietro will serve as a dynamic platform for engaging with contemporary issues. The monthly publication will address critical topics such as poverty, migration, family challenges, and social exclusion, offering perspectives from within and beyond the Church. In a unique feature, Pope Francis will personally respond to reader letters in each issue, reaffirming his commitment to dialogue and listening.

The magazine’s logo, designed by architect Marco Capasso, symbolizes connection and community. Its inspiration from Bernini’s colonnade evokes the Basilica’s embrace of humanity, reflected in both its architectural splendor and the magazine’s cultural mission. Available in print at key locations and through postal subscriptions, Piazza San Pietro will also be distributed free to individuals who cannot afford it, ensuring its message reaches all corners of society.

Social Media: A New Digital Presence

Recognizing the importance of digital outreach, the Basilica will utilize social media platforms to share its history, provide updates, and engage with Christians worldwide. This initiative aims to foster meaningful connections, particularly as the Church prepares for the upcoming Jubilee Year.

Virtual Pilgrimages Through Webcams

For those unable to visit Rome in person, two innovative webcams will offer a spiritual connection to the Basilica. One will provide a live view of St. Peter’s tomb, enabling virtual prayer, while another will allow symbolic participation in the crossing of the Holy Door. Pope Francis is set to inaugurate the tomb webcam on December 2.

A Space for Dialogue with the Media

A newly designed multifunctional media room within the Fabbrica di San Pietro will host journalists and media professionals for briefings and events, further emphasizing the Basilica’s commitment to transparent communication.

A Step Toward the Future

Cardinal Gambetti and Father Fortunato emphasized that this initiative is not merely about technological upgrades but about fostering inclusivity and dialogue. By leveraging modern tools while staying true to its sacred mission, St. Peter’s Basilica aims to deepen its relationship with a diverse and evolving global audience.

With these innovations, the Basilica stands as a beacon of faith and progress, inviting believers and seekers alike to experience its rich heritage and its vision for the future.

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post The 5 novelties in communication of the Vatican Basilica: webcams, magazine and social networks appeared first on ZENIT - English.

A Global Recognition of Excellence

This year’s laureates, Prof. Cyril O’Regan, a theologian from the University of Notre Dame, and Maestro Etsurō Sotoo, a Japanese sculptor renowned for his work on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, reflect the prize’s wide-ranging scope. Both recipients epitomize the harmony of intellectual pursuit and artistic creation that aligns with Benedict’s enduring call to be «cooperators of truth.»

The ceremony began with remarks from Father Federico Lombardi, president of the Vatican Foundation Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI, who noted the global and ecumenical dimensions of the prize. With recipients hailing from 18 countries across five continents, the Ratzinger Prize has grown into a symbol of cultural and spiritual unity.

“This is a community,” Lombardi said, “a global network of scholars and artists who share Joseph Ratzinger’s vision of an ‘open reason,’ one that embraces dialogue and transcends disciplines to inspire minds, hearts, and lives.”

Cardinal Parolin on Benedict’s Enduring Hope

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin delivered the keynote address, highlighting Benedict XVI’s remarkable ability to infuse hope into the darkest moments of history. Reflecting on the forthcoming Jubilee Year, Parolin called Benedict a “master of hope,” whose theological depth offers enduring guidance.

“Even in the face of evil and historical tragedies,” Parolin remarked, “he lifts our gaze toward unity, truth, beauty, and love.” He emphasized Benedict’s insistence on keeping human reason open to questions of meaning and existence, rejecting the reductionism of sterile positivism.

The Laureates: Voices of Faith and Creation

The prize recognizes individuals whose work resonates deeply with Benedict’s intellectual and spiritual vision.

– Cyril O’Regan was honored for his extensive theological scholarship, particularly his exploration of Joseph Ratzinger’s teachings. Parolin lauded O’Regan’s ability to capture Benedict’s humility and unwavering focus on God’s revelation as the ultimate source of truth and goodness.

– Etsurō Sotoo, meanwhile, was celebrated for his artistic genius, which brings the divine to life through matter. Sotoo’s sculptures on the Sagrada Familia embody what Parolin described as “art making the material transparent to the spirit.” The cardinal reflected on how Sotoo’s work transforms stone into a vessel of beauty, revealing God’s love and inviting worshippers to encounter the sacred.

A Celebration of Benedict’s Vision

The ceremony was rich with symbolism and continuity. In his remarks, Parolin highlighted Benedict XVI’s episcopal motto, “Cooperatores Veritatis” (Cooperators of Truth), as the guiding principle for the laureates’ contributions. He also drew attention to the Pope Emeritus’s “Spe Salvi” encyclical, which remains a beacon of Christian hope amid contemporary challenges.

The day began with a Mass at the Vatican Grottoes near Benedict’s tomb, presided over by Archbishop Georg Gänswein. Later, Pope Francis received the honorees in a private audience, affirming their dedication to the Church’s mission.

A Global Legacy Continues

With its 30th edition, the Ratzinger Prize has become a hallmark of intellectual and artistic achievement within the Church. Past winners include theologians, philosophers, sociologists, and artists from diverse Christian traditions and even Judaism, underscoring the prize’s commitment to dialogue and universal truth.

As the world anticipates the Jubilee Year, the 2024 Ratzinger Prize reminds us that Benedict XVI’s legacy is not a relic of the past but a dynamic force pointing toward the future. Through the lives and works of scholars like O’Regan and artists like Sotoo, his vision continues to inspire unity, deepen faith, and renew hope for generations to come.

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post Vatican awards the “Nobel” for theology: Mass in papal crypts and audience with Pope Francis first appeared first on ZENIT - English.

A Simpler, More Pastoral Vision

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, explained that the revisions aim to simplify and modernize the liturgy to better express the Church’s faith in Christ’s resurrection. “The funeral of the Roman Pontiff should highlight his role as a shepherd and disciple of Christ, not as a figure of worldly power,” he stated.

Notable changes include the removal of the traditional three-coffin system—previously composed of cypress, lead, and oak—and the immediate placement of the Pope’s body into a single coffin. The deceased Pope will now lie in repose for veneration within this coffin, rather than atop a bier.

Further, the confirmation of death, a ritual once performed in the Pope’s private chamber, will now take place in his chapel. The updated rites emphasize the spiritual nature of the occasion, moving away from overly ceremonial elements toward a focus on the Pope’s pastoral and apostolic mission.

Streamlining the “Three Stations”

The funeral rites retain their traditional structure of three stations: the Pope’s residence, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the burial site. However, each has been refined:

1. First Station (Residence): The body is placed directly into a coffin at the chapel following the confirmation of death, eliminating a previous intermediary step at the Apostolic Palace.
2. Second Station (Basilica): The coffin is closed the evening before the funeral Mass, which takes place in St. Peter’s Basilica. During public veneration, the body will be displayed within the open coffin, aligning with practices for diocesan bishops as outlined in the Caeremoniale Episcoporum.
3. Third Station (Burial): A single-coffin burial simplifies this stage, eschewing the traditional layering of coffins. Additionally, the rites now accommodate burial sites outside the Vatican Basilica.

A Refined Liturgical Text

The updated Ordo underwent a comprehensive revision of its biblical, liturgical, and rubrical texts. Latin prayers were harmonized with the Missale Romanum (2008) and the Nova Vulgata translation, while the Italian version aligns with the Missale Romanum (2020).

Musical annotations were removed to allow greater flexibility, though references to the Graduale Romanum guide the selection of Gregorian chants. Adjustments were also made to the Litany of Saints, sung during two key moments: the body’s transfer to the basilica and the conclusion of the funeral Mass. The revised Litany includes all saints celebrated in the Church’s General Calendar, with a particular focus on saintly Popes.

The Novendiales: Nine Days of Mourning

A dedicated chapter addresses the Novendiales, the nine days of Masses for the deceased Pope that follow the funeral. This edition expands the number of liturgical formularies from three to four, drawing on prayers for deceased Popes and bishops found in the Missale Romanum.

Unlike its predecessor, the new edition excludes lectionary texts, providing only scriptural references. The omission of supplementary materials, such as Gregorian chant notations, reflects the Vatican’s intent to create a more focused, user-friendly volume.

A Bridge Between Tradition and Renewal

The new edition reflects the Vatican’s commitment to adapting the papal funeral liturgy to contemporary needs while preserving its rich historical roots. By emphasizing the Pope’s role as a servant of Christ and simplifying complex rituals, the Church seeks to present a more accessible and spiritually resonant celebration.

As Archbishop Ravelli noted, “This is not merely a liturgical book but an essential tool to prepare and celebrate the funeral of the disciple of Christ chosen as Peter’s successor.”

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post Pope Francis’ funerals will be like this: reformed funeral ritual for Pope Francis appeared first on ZENIT - English.

The event, scheduled for December 7 at 6:30 PM, will be led by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Sister Raffaella Petrini, who serve as the President and Secretary General of the Vatican City Governatorate. With a rich array of traditions and artistic marvels, this year’s festivities promise to be a testament to the spirit of Christmas as both a sacred and universal celebration.  

Grado’s Lagoon-Inspired Nativity Scene: A Testament to Love and Labor

The centerpiece of this year’s St. Peter’s Square Nativity scene hails from Grado, a lagoon town in the Diocese of Gorizia. Dubbed the «Community Nativity,» this intricate display embodies themes of love, labor, and tradition, showcasing scenes from early 20th-century life in Grado’s unique lagoon environment.

The scene is set within a traditional casone—a reed structure historically used by local fishermen—and features the Holy Family surrounded by lifelike statues crafted from lagoon clay by Lorenzo and Francesca Boemo, a father-daughter artisan duo. The tableau extends beyond the Nativity to include details like flat-bottomed batele boats floating in an artificial lagoon, a grandmother watching her grandchildren play on a sandy shore, and women participating in the fishing trade.

Under the guidance of Antonio Boemo and architect Andrea de Walderstein, the project involved over 40 volunteers, blending professional expertise and community spirit. The display also highlights Grado’s connection to its historic roots as a «mother of Venice» and its enduring ties to the Church through landmarks like the Basilica of Santa Eufemia.

The Bethlehem Nativity: Crafting Hope from Conflict

Adding an international dimension, the Paul VI Hall will host the «Bethlehem Nativity 2024,» a symbolic reminder of the Holy Land’s significance. Designed by Bethlehem-based artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi, this installation features a three-meter-tall circular structure adorned with handcrafted representations of the Nativity.

Materials like olive wood, nacre, and stone, sourced from the region, reflect the craftsmanship of Bethlehem’s artisans, while the installation’s collaboration with local Christian institutions underscores its message of peace and resilience amid ongoing conflict.

Ledro’s Eco-Conscious Christmas Tree

From the Alpine forests of Ledro in Trentino comes the majestic 29-meter Christmas tree that will light up St. Peter’s Square. This sustainably sourced spruce symbolizes the Vatican’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Certified by the PEFC for responsible forest management, its selection ensures the preservation of local biodiversity and the natural renewal of the forest.

The tree’s decorations and lighting, provided by local artists and craftspeople, aim to evoke both the grandeur of nature and the simplicity of the Christmas message.

A Celebration of Faith and Community

The day’s events also include an audience with Pope Francis, during which delegations from Grado and Ledro, along with representatives from the Palestinian Embassy to the Holy See, will formally present their gifts. These delegations include prominent figures such as Monsignor Carlo Roberto Redaelli, Bishop of Gorizia, and Monsignor Lauro Tisi, Bishop of Trento, as well as local leaders and community groups who contributed to the projects.

A Season of Reflection and Renewal

As the Nativity and Christmas tree remain on display until January 12, 2025, they invite pilgrims and visitors to reflect on the enduring message of Christmas: love, unity, and hope. Whether through the artistic heritage of Grado, the resilience of Bethlehem, or the environmental consciousness of Ledro, this year’s celebration stands as a powerful reminder of the Church’s role in connecting cultures and fostering a global community of faith.

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post This is the date and time when the Vatican Christmas tree will be lit 2024 appeared first on ZENIT - English.

The agreement, which refers to the Document on Human Fraternity (4 February 2019), the encyclical  Fratelli tutti (3 October 2020), and the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Bahrain (3-6 November 2022),  aims to strengthen the relations between the Vatican and the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the goal of  establishing and fostering a mutually beneficial cultural and scientific collaboration.

On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Dr. Majed bin Ali Alnoaimi, Bahrain’s Minister of  Public Affairs, will sign the cooperation agreement with H.E. Mons. Angelo Vincenzo Zani, Archivist and  Librarian of the Holy Roman Church. The agreement will focus on supporting the design and  implementation of an innovative module to be used during conservation work, the cataloging and  preservation of Arabic cultural heritage held at the Vatican Apostolic Library, and the organization of joint  projects aimed at promoting and disseminating this precious cultural heritage that the Library preserves.

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post Muslim Kingdom of Bahrain to sponsor digitization of Arabic documents from Vatican Library appeared first on ZENIT - English.

The document emphasizes the Vatican’s longstanding commitment to preserving records essential to the governance of the universal Church, dating back to the ancient *Scrinium* of the Roman Church. Pope Francis stresses that in keeping with this tradition, today’s Vatican Archives and Library are called to make this rich cultural heritage more “usable” for a wider audience. To facilitate this, parts of the Archives and Library collections will be housed in expanded facilities near the Pontifical Seminary in San Giovanni in Laterano.

To oversee this project, the Pope has instructed the formation of a Commission comprising representatives from the Secretariat of State, the Vatican Apostolic Archive, and the Apostolic Library. This team will determine which materials will be transferred to the new location while ensuring seamless continuation of archival operations.

The directive specifies that the Archive and Library will collaborate closely to manage the logistics of this transition. Their goal will be to implement these changes in accordance with Vatican standards and procedures, ensuring the preservation and security of these invaluable resources for future generations.

As one of the world’s oldest repositories of ecclesiastical and historical documents, the Vatican Archives house centuries of material, from papal correspondence to records detailing the Church’s role in global events. Through this transfer, Pope Francis continues his effort to promote transparency and knowledge-sharing within the Church, paving the way for a deeper public engagement with these treasures of faith, history, and culture.

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post Pope sends part of Vatican Secret Archive Library to major seminary in Rome appeared first on ZENIT - English.

Residents of Ledro, who see the fir as more than just a tree, have written directly to Pope Francis in hopes of preventing what they deem an «anachronistic massacre.» They also launched a petition on Change.org, which has garnered 40,000 signatures so far, and secured legal counsel to help block the tree’s removal.

Local environmental advocates and community associations argue that cutting down a tree for a holiday display contradicts efforts to combat climate change. «Talking about protecting the environment means challenging outdated traditions like these,” they noted in a statement, emphasizing the contradiction of celebrating Christmas by sacrificing a tree that symbolizes nature itself. They propose decorating the fir where it stands in Passo Nota, allowing it to continue shading hikers who stop there after long climbs.

Residents further invoked Pope Francis’ own words on environmental stewardship, referencing his encyclicals calling for respect for nature. “We ask His Holiness to prevent this felling and instead come visit the Valley to experience its natural beauty firsthand,” the letter implores.

Beyond the emotional and environmental reasons, residents also have financial concerns. Lorenzo Vescovi, a representative from the Forty-Three Million Committee (a name symbolizing the 40 trees donated by the Ledro Council to the Vatican and the estimated three million Christmas trees cut down annually in Italy), notes that the transport of the Green Giant to the Vatican comes with a staggering €60,000 price tag. Many argue that the funds could be better used to address pressing needs within the Ledro community, such as medical care, where shortages of general practitioners are impacting health services.

The valley’s connectivity issues also factor into the locals’ case: a tunnel that links Ledro to nearby Riva del Garda has been closed for long periods due to structural problems, disrupting daily life and heightening the community’s calls for more effective infrastructure investment.

In their petition, Ledro residents offered an alternative: instead of sacrificing a living tree, why not consider an artistic, permanent installation crafted from wood of fallen trees, inspired by similar creations like the Vaia Dragon and the Bear of Molveno? Such a symbol, they suggest, would better embody the Pope’s environmental messages and could become a lasting testament to the Vatican’s commitment to ecological renewal.

As the petition gains momentum, the people of Ledro hope their voices will resonate in the Vatican, prompting a shift toward traditions that celebrate nature without taking it away.

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post Vatican: 40 thousand signatures against the Pope’s Christmas tree appeared first on ZENIT - English.

***

Your Eminence,
Dear brothers and sisters!

I greet you with gratitude, because your visit attests to the industriousness with which you are undertaking new projects and collaborations for the benefit of Saint Peter’s Basilica. This house of prayer for all peoples (cf. Is 56:7; Mt 21:13) was entrusted to us by those who have preceded us in faith and in the apostolic ministry. Therefore, it is a gift and a task to take care of it, both in a spiritual and material sense, also through the most recent technologies.

Such tools particularly challenge our creativity and responsibility. Indeed, the correct and constructive use of a potential that is certainly useful, but ambivalent, depends on us. At times, it happens that the tool overrides the purpose for which it should serve: it is as if the frame were to become more important than the picture. It is therefore necessary to govern technology, recalling that its products are good not only when they work, but primarily when they help us grow.

This principle applies even more to Saint Peter’s Basilica, and for the various interventions it requires, so that it may be for all visitors a living place of faith and history, a hospitable dwelling, a temple for the encounter with God and with the brothers and sisters who come to Rome from all over the world. Everyone, truly everyone, must feel welcomed in this great house: those who have faith and those in search of faith; those who come to contemplate the artistic beauty of Rome and those who want to decipher its cultural codes.

In this regard, let us recall that the original nucleus of the Basilica is the tomb of Peter, the disciple whom the Lord Jesus elected as first among the apostles, entrusting to him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven (cf. Mt 16:18). This is evidenced by the huge Greek and Latin inscriptions that from above accompany the faithful to the altar of the Cathedra. The planned works should have the same purpose: to accompany the men and women of today; to support their journey as disciples, following the example of Simon Peter. Therefore, I would like to leave you three criteria to guide your work: the listening of prayer, the gaze of faith, the pilgrim’s touch. Let these senses, at once bodily and spiritual, intelligently order the initiatives to be taken.

First of all, listening to prayer: I encourage the commitment of the Fabric and its collaborators in the adoption of technologies that favour not only an interactive participation of people, but above all their awareness of the sacred place, which is a space for meditation.

Secondly, the outlook of faith, to use the cutting-edge tools with a missionary style, not touristic, without seeking the attraction of special effects, but rather investing in new means to narrate the faith of the Church and the culture it has shaped.

Finally, the touch of the pilgrim: throughout the centuries, sculptural, pictorial and architectural art were placed at the service of the people of God using the best technologies of the time. Our predecessors worked wonderfully! May every new project be in continuity with the same pastoral intent.

Thank you for your resourcefulness. I bless all of you and your work from my heart. And I ask you, please, to pray for me.

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post Pope Francis and St. Peter’s Basilica: a reminder of what it is and working criteria appeared first on ZENIT - English.

Capturing St. Peter’s Essence Through Technology

Using drones, high-resolution cameras, and laser imaging, a team of experts captured over 400,000 images of St. Peter’s Basilica over three weeks. These images were transformed into an ultra-precise 3D model by Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, together with the French company Iconem, employing advanced AI algorithms to ensure the digital twin reflects the Basilica’s intricacies with millimeter precision. This 3D model, hosted on an interactive online platform, will launch on December 1, allowing visitors anywhere to experience the Basilica’s exterior and interior, with an option to explore through an educational interface modeled after the popular game “Minecraft.”

“Thanks to AI, we can now admire this extraordinary place of faith, art, and history like never before,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chairman and president. This collaboration represents not only a groundbreaking educational tool but also a means for visitors worldwide to connect with the Basilica’s spiritual atmosphere, even from afar.

New Opportunities for Pilgrims, Scholars, and Conservation Efforts

Designed to benefit both general visitors and specialists, the digital Basilica will provide pilgrims with an immersive virtual journey and academics with a wealth of details invaluable for restoration and research. The precise 3D rendering has already helped uncover structural vulnerabilities, such as cracks and missing mosaic tiles, that would otherwise be difficult to identify without up-close examination. “In one of our scans, we even found tiny spider nests in the dome’s mosaic,” Cardinal Gambetti remarked, illustrating the digital model’s level of detail.

Two new interactive exhibits, “Petros Eni” and “Petros Eni Octagon”, will launch alongside the digital twin, giving visitors insight into the Basilica’s evolution through time with immersive displays. These exhibits promise to add a dimension to the experience for those who can visit the Basilica in person.

Preserving St. Peter’s for Future Generations

In addition to offering an unprecedented virtual experience, the project seeks to support the Basilica’s long-term conservation. Father Francesco Occhetta, secretary of the *Fratelli Tutti* Foundation, which coordinated the project, highlighted that the digital twin aligns the sacred space with its physical roots at the tomb of St. Peter, ensuring that this iconic symbol endures. “Our goal is not merely technological,” he said. “The digital Basilica serves as a way for people across the globe to encounter this sacred place in their spiritual journey, wherever they are.”

A Vision of “The Basilica in Outreach”

Cardinal Gambetti emphasized that the project marks a new chapter in the Basilica’s mission to serve a global audience, inspired by Pope Francis’ vision of a welcoming “house of prayer for all peoples.” A coordinated plan to digitalize records and establish platforms for virtual engagement underscores the broader initiative to make St. Peter’s Basilica accessible in ways that resonate with today’s digital culture.

“We are making history,” Gambetti said. “For centuries, the Church has adapted its message to the language of each age, and now, with technology, we are opening St. Peter’s doors wider than ever.” The Basilica’s digital twin, he added, represents a timeless vision, inviting everyone into its sacred, artistic, and spiritual embrace.

Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.

The post The Vatican Basilica’s digital twin is born: online in December thanks to Artificial Intelligence and Microsoft appeared first on ZENIT - English.

The case is a clear reminder that ecclesiastical justice can and must be aligned with international standards. Since 2010, the Vatican has implemented significant legislative changes, designed to ensure that impunity has no place among those managing the Church’s assets. Stressed in the sentence is that the Vatican acknowledges fundamental principles, such as the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence and effective legal defense. Through counterinterrogation and an exhaustive  review of proofs, this process sought to reach an objective procedural truth, ensuring the implicated parties maximum space to defend themselves.

Crimes and Responsibilities

There are prominent figures among those sentenced, including Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, Raffaele Mincione, Enrico Crasso, Gianluigi Torzi and Cecilia Marogna. The imputations include embezzlement, fraud and extortion. In the case of Becciu and Mincione, they were found to be responsible for using  Holy See funds in a way that benefitted third parties disproportionately. In particular, Mincione used his position to access the sum of US$200 million from the Secretariat of State, funds that he invested in high risk operations, causing economic harm to the Vatican. Although there was no identification of direct personal benefit, the Court decided that this management of resources was an illicit use of ecclesiastical assets. 

Gianluigi Torzi, linked to the purchase of a luxury building in London, was found guilty of aggravated fraud and extortion. During the transaction, Torzi retained essential voting rights, depriving the Secretariat of State of real control of the property despite the disbursement of millions. Through deceit and manipulation, he succeeded in having the Vatican approve the agreement without having effective ownership, a fact that, according to the Court, was a clear case of fraud. Torzi also benefitted from additional payments, which the Court considered unjustified, relying on a legal interpretation that equates this situation to a «return horse», namely, the demand for money in exchange for returning an asset that already belonged to its legitimate owner.

Becciu and His Relationship with Marogna

Cardinal Becciu was a protagonist in another controversial chapter within the trial. His implication in the diversion of funds to his collaborator Cecilia Marogna uncovered the irregular use of Holy See money under the pretext of a humanitarian operation to release an abducted nun in Mali. Marogna used part of these funds for personal luxury expenses, which distorted the initial purpose of the transaction. The sentence reveals that Becciu not only guaranteed the payments, but he also maintained a close relationship with Marogna even after discovering the embezzlement, something that the Court described as improper for an official of his level. 

Disbursements to Family Members and Ethical Questions

Another aspect the Court addressed was the giving of funds to a cooperative managed by Antonino Becciu, the Cardinal’s brother. Although these funds were supposedly for charitable purposes, the Court found that the family connection and the lack of written authorization constituted a violation of the Vatican Penal Code and of canon 1298,  which explicitly prohibits the management of ecclesiastical assets for the benefit of relatives up to the fourth degree without express authorization.

A Ruling That Marks A Point of Inflection

This verdict is a watershed in the administration of justice in the Vatican, marking a change to greater supervision of ecclesiastical finances. The sentence emphasizes that the Vatican, in its endeavor for ethical management, will not tolerate the misuse of its resources, stressing the responsibility of its officials for the wellbeing of the Church and her faithful. 

This judicial process will be remembered not only for the magnitude of those involved and of the examined crimes, but also as an example of the Holy See’s determination to eradicate corruption and reinforce the integrity of its financial operations at the global level. 

The post Vatican: Decisive Verdict in Case of Embezzlement and Fraud Involving a Cardinal appeared first on ZENIT - English.