Vatican trial Archives

Will the Vatican investigate a cardinal implicated in its own abuse trial?

Feb 26, 2021

Three witnesses testified that Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri, who was relieved of his position as Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica last Saturday by Pope Francis, or his aides, had been aware of sexual abuse allegations at a pre-seminary on Vatican grounds and took no action.

By John L. Allen Jr.

At trial, former students recall ‘unhealthy’ environment at minor seminary

Feb 24, 2021

Several former students told a Vatican court that they experienced an “unhealthy” environment at a minor seminary inside the Vatican.

By Junno Arocho Esteves

A cardinal in the dock would mark real reform in Vatican justice

Feb 18, 2021

On Tuesday, Pope Francis moved to address the perception that the system is rigged against defendants with a series of reforms, such as modifying the requirements for “in absentia” trials as well introducing the possibility of reduced sentences for good behavior and rehabilitation programs.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Despite question marks, Vatican bank verdict is still a watershed

Jan 23, 2021

We witnessed a potential watershed moment this week for financial reform in the Vatican when a longtime former president of the Vatican Bank, along with the bank’s lawyer, were sentenced to eight years and 11 months in jail for their roles in a $70 million fraud.

By John L. Allen Jr.

New Guam archbishop after predecessor’s sex abuse verdict

Apr 6, 2019

Pope Francis has formally named Monsignor Michael Byrnes as Guam’s archbishop following the definitive sex abuse verdict against his predecessor.

By Associated Press

Canon lawyers explain how Vatican abuse trials function

Aug 11, 2018

Any member of the clergy accused of the sexual abuse of a minor is tried according to procedures outlined in the Code of Canon Law and specific norms spelled out in ‘Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela’ (“Safeguarding the Sanctity of the Sacraments”).

By Cindy Wooden

Vatican envoy gets 5-year prison term for child pornography

Jun 23, 2018

A former Holy See diplomat was found guilty on Saturday of possessing and distributing child pornography and given a five-year prison sentence.

By Elise Harris, CNA

Former Vatican diplomat admits accessing child porn during trial

Jun 22, 2018

A former Vatican diplomat on trial for possession of a large quantity of child pornography has admitted the charges during the first hearing of an expedited trial inside the Vatican.

By Crux Staff