Becciu defends himself, accuses "surreal" embezzlement

(ANSA) - CAGLIARI, 25 SEPTEMBER - The resigning cardinal AngeloBecciu defends himself at the press conference against the allegations of embezzlement: "all surreal", he says, explaining that those 100 thousand euros at the Caritas of Ozieri "are still there".

As for the London palace, the high prelate explained that "the Pence of St. Peter was not touched, it was not used. The Secretariat of State had a fund, it had to grow".

And he specifies that yesterday in the 20-minute conversation with the Pope "there was no mention of the London building".

Isoldi at Caritas, on the other hand, "came from the Obolo but - the cardinal specified - it was a charitable goal".

"It is in the discretion of the Substitute - he clarifies - to allocate sums that are in a particular fund destined to Caritas. In 7-8 years I had never done a support work for Sardinia. I know that in my diocese there is an emergency especially for unemployment, which is why I wanted to allocate those 100 thousand euros ".

Finally, Becciu renews his trust in the Holy Father: "By becoming a cardinal I have promised to give my life for the Church and for the Pope. Today I renew my trust".

And there will be "no challenge to the Pope, but - everyone has the right to their innocence".

"I hope that sooner or later the Holy Father realizes that there has been a strong misunderstanding", "I hope it has not been manipulated", concludes Becciu.

   (HANDLE).