The cardinal was also accused of injecting huge sums of money into his native Sardinian diocese, where his family members benefited, as well as paying another accused, Cecilia Maronja, almost 600,000 euros to help free a kidnapped nun in Mali, but the accused squandered most of it on luxury goods and leisure trips. In addition, Cecilia was suspected of having an intimate relationship with the cardinal, whose residence she had visited several times. Both deny such allegations.
Bechu, 75, who was once considered a candidate for the papacy, is the highest-ranking Vatican official to face such charges, the BBC reports. He pleaded not guilty and will appeal the verdict.
Bechu was on trial with nine other defendants, including financiers, lawyers and former Vatican employees, accused of various crimes including fraud, money laundering and abuse of power.
In 2020, Francis removed Beča from office, disqualifying him from participating in a future conclave vote on Francis’ successor.
2023-12-17 22:07:38
#time #Vatican #cardinal #financial #machinators #bars
