Inside the Vatican: A Secret Call & the Corruption Drama
What Actually Happened
During a Vatican corruption trial on November 24, the court heard a secretly recorded telephone call between the famed Cardinal Angelo Becciu and Pope Francis. The tape was captured in July 2021, right before the trial began, by someone in a room with Becciu. It wasn’t an official recording—no one gave the Pope a heads‑up.
The Call
- Becciu asked the Pope to confirm he’d approved a payment to free a kidnapped nun in Africa.
- Francis seemed perplexed, asking Becciu to write down exactly what he wanted.
- Lawyers heard that the Pope kept calling Becciu for clarification, which sparked a “who‑did‑this” moment in the courtroom.
Who’s Accused?
- Cardinal Angelo Becciu – charged with embezzlement, corruption, and abuse of office.
- Cecilia Marogna – a self‑styled security analyst who raised a €575,000 pot to help a Colombian nun in Mali; she’s accused of embezzlement.
- Eight other defendants mingle the ranks of former Vatican staff and Italian middlemen who were allegedly extorted by the Vatican.
The “In‑Case‑You‑Missed‑It” Details
In 2018, Becciu hired Marogna to rescue a Colombian nun from an Al‑Qaeda‑linked group in Mali. The Secretariat of State paid her through a Slovenian company, some of which spent on luxury clothes and spas—apparently, she was living the dream.
And, not to be missed: a new twist! Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi said he had started a fresh investigation town over Becciu’s possible criminal conspiracy. He’s filed the evidence with the court, but the Cardinal’s lawyers claim they’re still clueless.
Why the Cardinal Is in Trouble
Before the trial, Pope Francis had fired Becciu over nepotism rumours—Becciu insists he did not help his family financially. During the court session, Becciu faced his main accuser: former top aide Alberto Perlasca. The Cardinal told the judge that he’d sent €100,000 to a Sardinian charity, unaware it was linked to his own family. He didn’t know the money would mingle with his relatives—talk about a family plot twist!
What’s the Big Deal?
All eyes are on the purchase of a London building by the Secretariat of State. The defendants, including Becciu, are accused of squeezing the Vatican’s coffers for personal gain. The trial could reshape who’s trusted in the highest echelons of the Church.
Bottom Line
From a secret call with the Pope to a worrisome charity donation, this Vatican saga shows that even in holy halls, shady deals can spill over like an unexpected leak. Whether the Cardinal will prove his innocence or get a stern Vatican sentence remains to be seen. Stay tuned—this Vatican drama has plenty of twists, and who knows? Maybe the next beat will involve a solemn choir and a dramatic confession.
