Vatican: Papal butler found guilty, 18 months in prison
(Vatican Radio) At a press conference in the Vatican this morning, it was announced
that the Pope's butler, Paolo Gabriele, has been found guilty of theft and abuse of
power, aggravated by the abuse of the trust placed in him.
He has been sentenced
to 18 months in prison. The three-year sentence requested by the Prosecution was reduced
because Gabriele has no previous criminal record and admitted to wrong doing. His
years of service were also taken into consideration. The accused listened impassively
to the sentence and remains under house arrest until further notification. The Director
of the Vatican Press office, Fr Federico Lombardi, is expected to make an official
statement later this morning.