The recent legal proceedings involving Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu and other defendants have raised deep questions about how justice works within Vatican City State. At the heart of the controversy is the failure of the Promoter of Justice's office to fully disclose all documents, despite a court order. This incident invites us to reflect on universal themes like the right to defense, transparency, and fair trials—values that matter to every Christian community.
The Bible reminds us of the importance of a just judgment:
“Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty” (Exodus 23:6-7, NIV).This foundational principle, rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition, demands that every trial be conducted with full transparency and respect for all parties involved.
The Facts: An Order Ignored
On March 17, 2026, the Vatican Court of Appeals, presided over by Monsignor Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, ordered the full disclosure of all documents from the preliminary investigation of the first-instance trial concerning the management of funds from the Secretariat of State. These included complete video recordings of the testimony of the prosecution witness, Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, and previously redacted chat messages. The Promoter's office, led by Alessandro Diddi, submitted incomplete documents, maintaining some redactions and selecting documents—according to the defense—in an arbitrary manner.
Defense lawyers expressed deep dismay. Fabio Viglione and Maria Concetta Marzo, attorneys for Cardinal Becciu, stated: “The right to defense, equality of arms, and adversarial proceedings require full access to the documents. Any partial disclosure betrays the spirit of the order and repeats the flaw already censured by the Court.” Similarly, the lawyers for Fabrizio Tirabassi, Cataldo Intrieri, and Massimo Bassi spoke of “yet another refusal by the Promoter to obey the Vatican judge,” emphasizing that “decisive elements are being withheld from the defense and reserved only for the judges.”
If confirmed, this situation would represent a serious violation of fundamental principles of due process, enshrined not only in the Vatican criminal procedure code but also in international human rights conventions.
Biblical Roots of Justice
Scripture is rich with teachings on justice and the importance of hearing all sides before rendering a verdict. In Deuteronomy we read:
“Judge your neighbor fairly. Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God” (Deuteronomy 1:16-17, NIV).This passage reminds us that justice must be impartial, and any attempt to hide information or favor one side is contrary to God's will.
In the New Testament, Jesus himself teaches the importance of transparency:
“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” (Luke 12:2, NIV).This Gospel truth urges us to seek light in every situation, especially when people's reputation and freedom are at stake.
Implications for Church Life
The Becciu case is not just a legal matter; it touches the credibility of the Church as an institution that promotes justice and truth. In an age where transparency is increasingly demanded, episodes like this risk undermining the trust of the faithful. The Church is called to be an example of righteousness, even in its internal processes.
St. Paul exhorts us:
“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40, KJV).
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