Cardinal Becciu Sentenced to Prison in Vatican's 'Trial of the Century'
Cardinal Angelo Becciu has been convicted of embezzlement by a Vatican tribunal and sentenced to 5 ½ years in prison. This marks the first time a cardinal has been prosecuted by the Vatican criminal court. The trial, which lasted 2 ½ years, focused on the Vatican secretariat of state's investment in luxury apartments and alleged embezzlement of tens of millions of euros. Becciu was convicted of embezzlement related to the investment and for using Vatican money for personal purposes. The trial raised questions about the rule of law in the Vatican and the power of Pope Francis.