Trial opens in Italy for murder of ‘God’s banker’ News
Trial opens in Italy for murder of ‘God’s banker’

[JURIST] More than 20 years following the death of Roberto Calvi [BBC profile], the trial of five people accused of murdering him began Thursday in Italy. Calvi, known as "God's Banker" for his financial ties to the Vatican, was found hanging from Blackfriars Bridge in June 1982 in London. His death was originally ruled a suicide, but prosecutors now contend that Calvi was murdered in a joint effort by the Mafia and power Sardinian banker Lucio Gelli after Calvi allegedly stole from them. After opening briefly Thursday in Rome, the trial adjourned until November. In addition to Gelli, prosecutors charged convicted Cosa Nostra treasurer Pippo Calo. Calvi was killed shortly after the bank he ran, Banco Ambrosiano, went bankrupt. Prosecutors have focused on millions of dollars that left Banco Ambrosiano in the weeks preceding Calvi's death. Reuters has more.