Vatican: Pool of journalists to report on leaks trial

(Vatican Radio) – A pool of 8 journalists will follow and report on proceedings in the trial against former Papal butler, Paolo Gabriele and IT consultant Claudio Sciarpelletti, Holy See press office director, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., announced Friday in a press briefing.

Mr. Gabriele is accused of grand theft, for having taken and leaked private and personal documents from the Holy Father to Italian press. Mr. Sciarpelletti, who has been temporarily suspended from his post in the Secretariat of State, is charged with aiding and abetting the crime.

According to the decree of summons issued on September 17 last, the two defendants will appear before the Vatican Tribunal Saturday September 29^th at 9.30 am. The court will be composed of three judges. Unless they choose to be tried in absentia, Gabriele and Sciarpelletti will be present in the courtroom assisted by their lawyers, who, in the course of this first hearing, may submit requests to call witnesses.

It will be first time that the examining judges will consider the case instituted by the investigating magistrate, Professor Bonnet, in the presence of the defense lawyers and Promoter of justice, Prof. Picardi.

The defense teams will have until September 26 to submit any additional evidence to the court. A pool of eight journalists will be admitted to the hearings, to report on proceedings. No audio or visual recording equipment will be allowed into the courtroom for the duration of proceedings.

Fr Lombardi concluded that the parallel inquiry conducted by the Commission of Cardinals appointed by Pope Benedict has been concluded. The Cardinals have delivered their report to the Holy Father.