The Italian press was most avid, perhaps, to hear the cardinal explain his relationship with Marogna, whom reporters have dubbed “the cardinal’s lady.” Becciu said the intelligence analyst helped negotiate the liberation of a Colombian nun kidnapped in Mali, claiming that “every step of this operation was approved by the Holy Father.”
According to media reports, Marogna was paid $587,900, which she spent on luxury goods, but Becciu said that “no amount had been destined as compensation for Marogna,” though he planned to pay her for her work.
He expressed “strong indignation” to allegations that he had a romantic relationship with Marogna, whom he said he respected for her knowledge on global issues.
This article originally appeared on ReligionNews.com.
