VATICAN CITY, (Reuters) – Pope Benedict’s butler was arrested today in connection with an investigation into leaks of confidential documents, some alleging cronyism and corruption in Vatican contracts, a senior Vatican source said.
The scandal, which has come to be known as “Vatileaks”, involves the leaking of a string of documents to Italian media in January and February, including personal letters to the pope.
Some of the documents involved allegations of corruption, mismanagement and cronyism in the awarding of contracts for work in the Vatican and internal disagreement on the management of the Vatican bank.
The president of the Vatican bank, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, was ousted by its board yesterday.
Vatican spokesmen said earlier today that a person in possession of confidential documents had been arrested but that they could not disclose his position or identity until they were given permission from Vatican investigators.
The Vatican source confirmed reports by Italian media that the person arrested was the butler.
“It’s all very sad,” another senior Vatican source said, commenting on an episode that is the latest in a string of embarrassments for the Vatican.
The pope’s butler serves in the apartments of the Apostolic Palace, serving at the papal tables, handing rosaries to visiting dignitaries and riding in the first seat of the popemobile at papal audiences.
As an intimate member of the papal household, he is privy to the goings on in the most reserved and private rooms in the Vatican.
Italian media said investigators had found documents in his apartment.
