Former Director of Sistine Choir Found Guilty of Embezzlement

The former director of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel Choir, Salesian Father Massimo Palombella, was convicted of embezzlement Tuesday, sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to repay 127,000 euros in stolen funds.

He led the prestigious choir from 2010 to 2019. Also convicted were the choir's former manager, Michelangelo Nardella, and his wife, Simona Rossi.

Prosecutors accused the three of pocketing money from choir concerts for personal use. The investigation began in 2018, the trial in May 2023.

Among the witnesses was Archbishop Georg Gänswein. He spoke of "financial irregularities," although he could not confirm any wrongdoing.

Nardella and Rossi's lawyer said in a statement that the two plan to appeal their convictions. "There were many points contested by the defense ... which will certainly be grounds for appeal," the statement said.

Picture: Massimo Palombella © Mazur CC BY-NC-SA, #newsAdjgxsgpiq