Italian prosecutor ready to close investigation into death of 'God's banker'

July 09, 2015

A prosecutor in Rome has announced plans to halt the investigation into the death of Roberto Calvi in 1982.

Calvi, who had been the chairman of the Banco Ambrosiano, was found hanging from Blackfriar’s Bridge in London. Although his death was originally ruled a suicide, emerging evidence strongly suggested that Calvi had been murdered. An investigation prompted reports of Mafia involvement, likely connected with the loss of Mafia funds in the collapse of the bank that Calvi had managed.

The failure of the Banco Ambrosiano also led to sharp criticism of the Vatican. The Vatican bank, the Institute for Religious Works, had been heavily invested in the Banco Ambrosiano. Calvi’s ties to the Vatican had won him the nickname, “God’s banker.”

In 2007, three people were brought to trial in Italy, charged with arranging Calvi’s killing. They were acquitted for lack of evidence.

 

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Further information:

• Prosecutors ask for Calvi case to be closed (ANSA)