Vatican investigating two 'Vatileaks' journalists

November 11, 2015

The Vatican is investigating the Italian authors of two new books based on leaked confidential documents.

Gianluigi Nuzzi and Emiliano Fittipaldi, whose books based on the “Vatileaks II” documents were published last week, are both being investigated, confirmed Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office. It is not clear what charges, if any, could be brought by Vatican prosecutors against the two writers.

Father Lombardi said that other officials remain under investigation as well, as Vatican prosecutors seek a clear understanding of how documents leaked. However the Vatican press office has denied a report that four cardinals are among the targets of the criminal probe.

Meanwhile Vatican officials have defended themselves against new stories, based on the two books, alleging corruption and favoritism in financial dealings. The Congregation for Evangelization, for example, issued a strong statement denying charges that appeared in the daily Corriere dela Sera, claiming that real-estate properties owned by the dicasteries were rented out to favored individuals at below-market rates.

 

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Further information:

• Vatican puts 2 reporters under investigation in leaks probe (AP)
• Vatileaks, Vatican Houses Used for Saunas and Hotels (Corriere dela Sera)