Vatican's former Sistine Choir director found guilty of embezzlement

By Joshua McElwee

A former director of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel Choir was convicted of embezzlement on Tuesday, sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay back 127,000 euros ($133,000) in stolen funds.

Rev. Massimo Palombella led the choir, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, from 2010 to 2019. He was convicted in the Vatican's criminal court alongside two others - Michelangelo Nardella, the choir's former manager, and Nardella's wife Simona Rossi.

Prosecutors accused the three of pocketing money from choir concerts for personal benefit.

Nardella was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison. Rossi was given a two-year jail term.

Palombella and Nardella were jointly ordered to pay back some 127,000 euros between them. Nardella and Rossi were ordered to pay back additional sums amounting to some 153,000 euros.

Inquiries into the allegations against the three individuals have been ongoing for years. The Vatican first announced an investigation in 2018.

Palombella is now listed as the director of the choir for the Cathedral of Milan on its website. He did not immediately respond to a phone call and an email seeking comment.

Nardella and Rossi's lawyer said in a statement the two plan to appeal their verdicts.

"There were many points contested during the trial by the defence...that will certainly be grounds for appeal," the statement said.