Two former senior figures at the Vatican-run children's hospital have been charged with diverting fundraising money totalling 422,000 euros (£372,000).
The ex-president and former treasurer at the Bambino Gesu in Rome are accused with using the cash to fund a renovation of a senior cardinal's apartment.
Giuseppe Profiti and Massimo Spina have been ordered in stand in a trial which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday next week.
It is alleged they took the sum of money from the paediatric hospital's fundraising foundation to fund improvements at the home of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone when he retired as the Vatican's secretary of state.
The cardinal has denied knowing about the payment.
Mr Profiti's administration was recently the subject of an Associated Press investigation into quality of care at what is referred to as the "pope's hospital".
He has admitted to the payment but argued it was an investment to allow the foundation use of the apartment for fundraising events.
Bambino Gesu recently caught the attention international news media, after bosses offered to take in terminally ill baby Charlie Gard.
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
