Explosive allegations reignite controversy within the Vatican’s ongoing financial scandal

In a dramatic twist in the Vatican’s long-running financial scandal, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu has formally accused Francesca Immacolata Chaouqui of fabricating false evidence against him. The accusations, revealed through legal filings and interviews with Becciu’s legal team, add a new layer of intrigue and tension to a case that has already shaken the upper echelons of the Holy See.

Becciu, once a close aide to Pope Francis and a former prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, has been embroiled in legal proceedings over alleged financial misconduct related to the controversial London property deal and other misappropriations of Church funds. He was stripped of his cardinal privileges in 2020 and has been facing charges ever since.

Now, Becciu claims that Chaouqui—a communications consultant and a former member of the Vatican commission on financial reform—deliberately fabricated documents and testimonies in an orchestrated attempt to implicate him. “This is a grave injustice,” Becciu stated through his attorney. “The allegations against me are built on a foundation of deceit, and we will present irrefutable evidence to prove it.”

Chaouqui, who was previously convicted in 2016 for leaking confidential Vatican documents, has denied any wrongdoing. In a brief statement, she dismissed Becciu’s accusations as “desperate tactics” from a man “trying to evade justice.”

Legal experts following the case say Becciu’s move could significantly alter the direction of the trial. “If his defense can substantiate these claims, it may undermine a substantial portion of the prosecution’s case,” said Paolo Donati, a legal analyst based in Rome. “But proving fabrication is notoriously difficult, especially within the confines of the Vatican’s unique judicial system.”

The new allegations come just as the Vatican tribunal was preparing for final arguments in Becciu’s trial. His defense team is now pushing for additional hearings to allow for a thorough investigation into Chaouqui’s alleged actions.

Behind the legal drama lies a deeper political and institutional power struggle within the Vatican. Becciu’s downfall has exposed tensions between reformist forces aligned with Pope Francis and more conservative elements within the Curia. The inclusion of Chaouqui, known for her polarizing role in past Vatican leaks, only further complicates the narrative.

“This is not just about financial misconduct,” said Dr. Livia Mancini, a Vatican affairs historian. “It’s about who controls the future of Church governance and transparency. The fight is as ideological as it is judicial.”

While the Vatican has yet to issue an official comment on Becciu’s accusations, insiders say the atmosphere within the Holy See is increasingly tense. Some officials fear the proceedings could trigger further disclosures about the inner workings of Vatican finances and governance.

As the courtroom drama unfolds, Catholics around the world are left watching with a mix of shock and weariness. For a Church already grappling with questions of credibility and moral authority, the Becciu-Chaouqui scandal is another blow to its image—one that may have long-term consequences regardless of the legal outcome.