The Vatican’s “trial of the century” is heading into the appeals phase. The complicated investigation was launched to get to the bottom of the Holy See’s bungled 350 million euro investment in a London luxury property. The trial ended in 2023 with convictions for nine of the 10 defendants. It was notable for its surreal cast of characters and exposure of Vatican vendettas, espionage and even ransom payments to Islamic militants. The appeals trial opening Monday could provide even more unwanted revelations. Recently, thousands of pages of WhatsApp text and audio messages exchanged between some of the players have become public. They have thrown fresh doubt about the credibility of the trial and the Vatican’s legal system.
