Becciu is also accused of using Vatican funds to pay Marogna, who he has said provided him with intelligence on high-risk situations around the world and who allegedly used the money to purchase luxury goods. Reports hinting at an “intimate relationship” between Marogna and Becciu have led the cardinal to push back against “sullying of the integrity of my priestly life.”
Marogna, referred to as “the cardinal’s lady” by Italian media, claimed in an earlier statement to the court that the exact nature of her intelligence work is protected by a pontifical seal of secrecy, but on Thursday Vatican judges postponed a ruling on her claim until they can inquire directly to the Vatican Secretariat of State.
Becciu also pushed back in his testimony against claims that he played a role in triggering the legal charges in Australia against Cardinal George Pell, the former head of the Vatican’s finance department, who was charged with sexually abusing minors but acquitted on appeal.
“They have wounded me and hit me in my priestly being and in my family relations,” Becciu said, “but they didn’t break me.”
The Vatican judges said Becciu will be called to the stand again April 6 to address the charges concerning Marogna and the purchase of the property in London. On March 30, the judges are scheduled to hear the testimony of Monsignor Mauro Carlino, Becciu’s ex-secretary.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
