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Gianluigi Nuzzi, author of the 273 page ‘sell out’ book, “His Holiness: The Secret Papers of Benedict XVI” alleging corruption and conspiracies among cardinals in a Vatican power struggle, denies Vatican accusations that he is a criminal.
Nuzzi said the book was based on conversations with more than 10 Vatican whistleblowers.
“We have a group of people – I can count more than 10 – who decided to make things public. When they made this choice months ago, I think and believe they were perfectly aware of what would happen.”
The author, who as a child used to ring the church bells at his local parish is unfazed. He says he is living “with the serenity of someone who did his job, who found news and made it public.”
Vatican deputy secretary of state, Archbishop Angelo Becciu said the publication of stolen documents in a recent book by Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi was a “criminal” act.
In labeling the theft of secret papers a “brutal” attack on the pope, Becciu said “Benedict XVI has seen the publication of papers stolen from his house”.
In a surprise off-the-cuff comment on Thursday, Pope Benedict commented on the situation calling some of the media reports “exaggerated” and “gratuitous” rumours.
Benedict said he was saddened by the betrayal, but grateful to those aides who faithfully and in silence helped him to do his job.
“He is particularly hurt with regard to one person, Paolo Gabriele, who he was close to, who he knew, loved and respected,” said Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi SJ.
“I can confirm that a number of people have been heard or interrogated and naturally this is something that can continue because we are still in the investigative phase,” Lombardi told a briefing.
Former papal butler Paolo Gabriele was arrested on May 25 and charged with “aggravated theft”. He is custody in the Vatican police station, reportedly very calm and has agreed to co-operate fully with the Vatican enquiry. His wife visits him regularly.
Through his lawyers Gabriele has requested house arrest and Lombardi said the magistrates holding Gabriele were considering the formal request to allow him to return to his Vatican apartment with his wife and three children.
Lombardi also confirmed that it was Msgr Georg Ganswein, the pope’s personal secretary who confronted Gabriele about leaking documents.
Sources
- Reuters
- Associated Press
- Image: Luigi Crespi
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News category: World.
