Cardinals linked to ‘Vatileaks’ scandal

The worst crisis in Pope Benedict’s pontificate deepened when Italian media said at least one cardinal was among those suspected of divulging sensitive documents as part of a power struggle at the top of the Church.

The scandal exploded last week when, within a few days, the Pope’s butler was arrested for leaking documents, the head of the Vatican’s own bank was dismissed, and a book was published alleging conspiracies among the cardinals.

Newspapers, quoting insiders who had themselves leaked documents, said the arrested butler was merely a scapegoat doing the bidding of more powerful figures in the scandal, which has been dubbed “Vatileaks”.