In one week, a Vatican City court will reconvene to consider the next phase of appeal in a lawsuit brought by the first and former Vatican auditor general against his controversial dismissal from office eight years ago.
While less well known than the landmark financial crimes trial which resulted in the conviction of several former Vatican officials and advisers, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the Milone case is part of a constellation of scandals around attempted financial reforms in the early years of the Francis pontificate.
And, as with the London property scandal, the extent of Pope Francis’ involvement in events has hung heavy over court proceedings thus far.
The next hearing in the Milone case is currently scheduled for June 30, and will mark the first judicial session since the election of Pope Leo XIV in May.
With both Milone’s team and lawyers for the Vatican Secretary of State having previously cited Francis in their arguments, and with judges widely understood to be eager to keep the pope out of proceedings, the hearing could prove to be the first test to see what, if any, influence Leo could have on the case — either by taking an active interest or passively, simply because Francis is no longer the pope.
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