Cardinal in Vatican fraud trial: My conscience is ‘tranquil’

The sky above St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, is overcast, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. A trial is slated to begin on Tuesday within the Vatican City’s imposing walls of 10 defendants, including a once-powerful cardinal, in a case based on a sprawling probe into the allegedly criminal management of the Holy See’s portfolio of assets, including donations by countless Catholics from the pews. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

A fraud and embezzlement trial over alleged mismanagement of the Holy See’s investments has started in Vatican City, with a once-powerful cardinal among the 10 defendants saying he remains “obedient” to Pope Francis, who stripped his privileges to bring him before the tribunal.

“He wanted me to be on trial, and I’m coming to the trial. I’m serene. I feel tranquil in my conscience,″ Cardinal Angelo Becciu, one of two defendants who attended the largely procedural, seven-hour session, told reporters afterwards.