Butler in papal leaks probe denied release from cell

THE Pope’s butler – being held for allegedly leaking documents revealing corruption – has been denied a request to be released from a cell into house arrest.

Paolo Gabriele, 46, is being held in preventive custody beyond the usual 50 days and prays daily in his “safe room”, the Vatican said. Gabriele could be held for up to 100 days before being ordered to face trial. Prosecutor Antonio Bonnet is expected to end formal investigations in a few weeks and decide whether to charge Gabriele with stealing papal paper and leaking them to the media. He is being held in a 11½ft by 13ft cell, which has a window, table and separate bathroom.

Some of the papers allege corruption in the Vatican’s dealings with Italian companies, involving the payment of inflated prices for work. Others highlight rivalries among cardinals and clashes over the management of the Vatican’s bank, the Institute for Works of Religion.

Pope Benedict’s spokesman denied a report Gabriele had been brainwashed by a sect. “Paolo is serene and finds comfort in prayer and has no psychological or health problems,” his lawyer reportedly said.