VATICAN CITY
Rome Reports
[with video]
The Vatileaks trial begins with five people accused of two different charges. Here’s everything you need to know about the blockbuster case.
THE ACCUSED
The main suspects are two members of a committee created by Pope Francis to reform the administrative and financial offices of the Holy See. They are a Spanish priest, Lucio Ángel Vallejo Balda, and an Italian laywoman and PR expert, Francesca Chaouqui.
Balda’s secretary Nicola Maio has also been charged.
They are accused of “criminal conspiracy to disseminate news and documents related to the fundamental interests of the Holy See and the Vatican City State.”
Also charged are the journalists Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi. They face charges of “illegally procuring and later revealing news and documents related to the fundamental interests of the Holy See and the Vatican City State.”
THE PROCESS
The process begins at the Court of the Vatican City State on Tuesday, November 24th.
If any of the accused do not appear, they will be tried in absentia. Their lawyers have time until Saturday the 28th to present evidence in their defense.
The penalty for these offenses can be up to eight years in prison.
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