Papal pardon for former butler possible says Fr. Lombardi

(October 08, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI’s former butler, Paolo Gabriele, who on Saturday received an18-month prison sentence for aggravated theft of confidential papal documents and leaking them to an Italian journalist, could possibly be pardoned by the Pope, said the Holy See’s spokesman. Speaking soon after the verdict, Jesuit priest, Fr. Federico Lombardi, the director of the Holy See Press Office, left open the possibility of a pardon by Pope Benedict XVI.
Journalists present in the court on Saturday said Gabriele listened impassively to the sentence after earlier declaring he did not see himself as a thief and adding he had acted “out of love for the Church and for its leader on earth.” During his final statement to the court, Gabriele confirmed he had acted alone and without accomplices. The charge of aggravated theft usually carries a sentence of four years in prison. However the court took into account extenuating circumstances: these include Gabriele having no previous criminal record, and his claim - even if erroneous - that he was acting for the good of the Church and his admission of having wounded the Holy Father. A partial ban was handed down on any future employment. Should Gabriele remain a Vatican employee he will not be allowed to work in any offices that deal with " judicial, administrative or legal” affairs. Gabriele’s lawyer has not ruled out the possibility of appealing the sentence. For now she said Paolo Gabriele will remain under house arrest in his family home in Vatican City State. The Court must meet again to decide if and when Gabriel will be imprisoned.