Vatican Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi Steps Aside from London Property Trial Appeal

Prosecutor Recuses Himself Amidst Appeal Proceedings

Vatican City State – On January 14, 2026, Vatican Promoter of Justice Alessandro Diddi stepped aside from the ongoing appeal phase of the Secretariat of State funds trial, widely known as the London property trial. This development follows a decision by the Vatican's Court of Cassation, which accepted Diddi's recusal and addressed several procedural challenges that had stalled the appeal process. The appeal trial is now slated to resume on February 3.

Court Rulings and Procedural Irregularities

The Court of Cassation issued two rulings, one brief and another more detailed, effectively clearing the way for the appeal to proceed without Diddi's involvement. A significant aspect of these decisions was the court's affirmation of an earlier finding by the appeal court: that the prosecutor's office had filed its own appeal improperly and outside established procedures and deadlines. Defense motions had sought Diddi's recusal, citing intercepted communications that allegedly suggested contacts with individuals involved in the broader case. The court's acceptance of Diddi's decision to abstain from the case effectively concludes efforts to force a formal ruling against him regarding these allegations. The rulings mean that the appeal phase will now concentrate predominantly on appeals filed by the defense, which could potentially lead to reduced sentences or even acquittals for some defendants.

The London Property Trial: A Background

The original trial centered on the Holy See's investment in a luxury property located on Sloane Avenue in London. Prosecutors had argued that intermediaries collaborated to extract funds from the Holy See as control of the property transitioned between various financiers. The first-instance verdict, delivered in December 2023, saw Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a prominent figure in the case, convicted and sentenced to five years and six months in prison on charges including embezzlement and fraud. Several other defendants also received prison sentences, with total first-instance convictions amounting to approximately 37 years of imprisonment and an order to confiscate 166 million euros ($193.6 million). The case has been a landmark in Vatican financial transparency efforts.

Implications for the Appeal Phase

With Promoter of Justice Alessandro Diddi's recusal and the Court of Cassation's rulings, the appeal proceedings are set to move forward with a narrowed scope. The focus will now be primarily on the arguments presented by the defense teams of the convicted individuals. This shift could significantly alter the trajectory of the appeal, potentially impacting the final outcomes for those found guilty in the initial trial. The resumption of the appeal on February 3 will mark a critical juncture in this complex and closely watched Vatican financial scandal.