Vatican Court Sentences Cardinal Becciu to Over 5 Years for Embezzlement and Fraud

A Vatican tribunal has sentenced Cardinal Angelo Becciu to 5 1/2 years in prison for embezzlement in a financial trial. The trial, initially seen as a sign of Pope Francis' financial reforms, resulted in the acquittal of many suspects on major charges. However, the tribunal ordered the confiscation of 166 million euros and payment of civil damages to Vatican offices of 200 million euros. Another defendant, Monsignor Mauro Carlino, was acquitted entirely. The trial revealed vendettas, espionage, and ransom payments to Islamic militants. The tribunal also convicted Gianluigi Torzi of extortion and sentenced him to six years in prison. The whereabouts of the defendants and where they will serve their sentences, if upheld on appeal, remain unclear.