Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

Vatican Appeals in London Property Case Open With Bid to Oust Prosecutor

The court gave Alessandro Diddi three days to answer recusal motions prompted by WhatsApp disclosures about the handling of a key witness.

FILE — Cardinal Angelo Becciu talks to journalists during news conference in Rome, Sept. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)
FILE — Cardinal Angelo Becciu talks to journalists during news conference in Rome, Sept. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)
FILE - Cardinal Angelo Becciu attends the consistory inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Aug. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
FILE - Public relations specialist Francesca Chaouqui talks to reporters as she arrives to testify in a trial at the Vatican, Jan. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

Overview

  • The appeals phase opened Sept. 22 in the Vatican’s new tribunal chambers before a three-judge panel led by Archbishop Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, with five hearings scheduled this week.
  • Defense teams moved on day one to seek the recusal of Promoter of Justice Alessandro Diddi, citing leaked WhatsApp messages and alleged irregular contacts tied to witness Alberto Perlasca.
  • The tribunal accepted the motions, ordered Diddi to respond within three days, and he left the courtroom as other prosecutors continued the session.
  • Lawyers also plan to challenge four papal Rescripta that expanded prosecutorial powers and governed evidence handling, arguing due-process violations in the first trial.
  • Cardinal Angelo Becciu and several other defendants are appealing their convictions, while the Secretariat of State and APSA, civil parties at trial, are not taking part in the appeal.