Cardinal Angelo Becciu on Monday
repeated that he is innocent after a Vatican court at the
weekend sentenced him to five and a half years in jail for
allegedly mismanaging a property portfolio including a luxury
flat on London's Sloan Avenue.
"It's not nice to be convicted," Becciu, the highest ranking
Vatican official ever to face financial charges, told veteran
journalist Bruno Vespa's 'Cinque Minuti' show on Rai.
"I was filled with consternation and I felt the whole weight of
myself, of my family, and of the Church on me, a cardinal who
has been convicted".
The 75-year-old Sardinian and former Substitute for General
Affairs in the Secretariat of State was convicted on two counts
of embezzlement and one of aggravated fraud.
He is set to appeal.
When asked if Pope Francis believes in his innocence, Becciu
replied: "I think so and I hope so.
"I will work hard, of course, to prove my innocence," he said.
"I want to shout to the world that I am innocent in the legal
proceedings and in every way, that I absolutely did not commit
these crimes that I am accused of".
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