Pope's butler to stand trial

Pope Benedict's former butler has been ordered to stand trial by a Vatican magistrate on charges of aggravated theft for leaking documents alleging corruption.
In a 35-page document on the case, which has rocked the Holy See since Paolo Gabriele was arrested last May, a second man who worked in the Vatican is also accused of involvement.
The layman, named as Claudio Sciarpelletti, was also ordered to stand trial, although on lesser charges of aiding and abetting a crime.
The Vatican said it was not clear when the trial would take place, but it would not be before the end of September.
If found guilty Gabriele, who worked in the pope's private apartments, could face six years in jail under the laws of the papal state.
It has also been revealed a cheque made out to the pope for 100,000 euros, a gold nugget and a 16th century book were found in a search of Gabriele's home.
The documents leaked earlier this year alleged corruption in the Vatican's dealings with Italian companies, including the payment of inflated prices for services, and detailed rivalries between cardinals and clashes over the running of the Vatican bank.



source: Independent Television News