Friday, September 28, 2012

Pope's Butler Is on Trial, Faces 4 Years in Prison; Stole Vat.Personal Papers,Leaked Them to Media

Pope Benedict's former butler, Paolo Gabriele -- who said he saw himself as a whistle-blowing "agent of the Holy Spirit" -- goes on trial tomorrow (September 29, 2012) in one of the most embarrassing episodes in Vatican history, according to the Reuters website.

The trial of the 46-year-old man -- who served the pope his meals and helped him dress -- will take place in the Vatican's little-used tribunal.

A three-judge panel will decide the fate of Gabriele, whom the pope used to call "Paoletto" (little Paul) and who is now described in Vatican documents as "the defendant."

Gabriele is accused of stealing the pontiff's personal papers and leaking them to the media in what he claims was an attempt to clean up corruption at the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The trial could result in a prison sentence of up to four years for Gabriele, and one year for Claudio Sciarpelletti, a computer expert charged with aiding and abetting him.

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