(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 31.10.2024).- In an unprecedented judicial process, which involved Vatican State and outstanding figures of the Roman Curia, the Court presided by Giuseppe Pignatone issued its final ruling. This verdict, which culminates an exhaustive investigation of over 80 hearings and a judgment prolonged for almost a year, ratifies the sentences imposed in December 2023, reinforcing the Holy See’s commitment to combat corruption and guarantee transparency in its financial operations.
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.
