Lawyer for Pope's valet admits acquittal is unlikely

August 01, 2012

The lawyer representing Paolo Gabriele, who was arrested in May in connection with the "Vatileaks" scandal, has conceded that his client is unlikely to be fully acquitted on aggravated-theft charges.

The lawyer, Carlo Fusco, says that Gabriele acted entirely alone, and all reports about a network of conspirators engaged in leaking Vatican documents are false. Most informed observers have difficulty accepting that claim, questioning how and why Gabriele would have obtained access to many papal documents. The Italian journalist responsible for the most extensive publication of leaked documents claims that he had multiple sources inside the Vatican.

According to Fusco, Gabriele took the documents hoping to do something good for the Pope. The lawyer declined to explain his client's motives further, but said that the truth would emerge in an inquest. He said that Gabriele is cooperating fully with the investigation.

If he is convicted on criminal charges, Gabriele could face up to a 6-year term, which would be served in an Italian prison.

 

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Further information:

• Lawyer for pope's butler says a full acquittal is unlikely (Rome Reports)
• Valet in 'Vatileaks' scandal asks Pope's forgiveness (CWN, 7/24)