“It’s not nice to be convicted,” Becciu, the highest-ranking Vatican official ever to face financial charges, told veteran journalist Bruno Vespa’s Cinque Minuti show on Rai.
“I was filled with consternation, and I felt the whole weight of myself, of my family, and of the Church on me, a cardinal who has been convicted.”
The 75-year-old Sardinian and former Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State was convicted on two counts of embezzlement and one of aggravated fraud.
He is set to appeal.
When asked if Pope Francis believes in his innocence, Becciu replied, “I think so and I hope so.”
“I will work hard, of course, to prove my innocence,” he said.
“I want to shout to the world that I am innocent in the legal proceedings and in every way, that I absolutely did not commit these crimes that I am accused of.”
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