Vatican prosecutors’ trial of the century sputters to an end

The Vatican appeals tribunal declared a prosecution appeal inadmissible that would have overturned acquittals on multiple charges against those previously accused of fraud in the infamous London property deal. The decision, a stunning and embarrassing blow to prosecutors, means the appeals process goes forward but only for defense efforts to overturn the convictions or reduce the sentences from the 2023 trial. “It’s a good sign, but there’s still a ways to go,” said defendant Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted along with eight other people in December 2023 of embezzlement and other finance-related charges.