Investigation into release of confidential documents concluding soon

In a press briefing Thursday afternoon, the head of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, told reporters the investigation into the public release of confidential Vatican documents by a three-Cardinal commission led by Cardinal Julian Herranz will soon come to a conclusion. The special commission is expected to submit the results of their work to the Holy Father next week.

Meanwhile, the separate investigation of Paolo Gabriele, Pope Benedict's butler who was arrested on May 23 on charges of leaking sensitive documents, is ongoing. Father Lombardi said Gabriele is continuing to be kept in custody at the Vatican police station. A magistrate is expected to conclude his investigation in early August. At that time, it will be decided to either acquit him of the charges, or make him stand trial.

Father Lombardi also confirmed Pope Benedict XVI is using his vacation time to finish the third and final volume of his series on Jesus of Nazareth. He is also preparing for his Apostolic Trip to Lebanon in September, as well as the upcoming Year of Faith, which begins in October.

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