Pope approved spending up to €1m to free nun from al-Qaida, trial hears

Unclear from Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s testimony how much – if any – Vatican money went to kidnappers

Pope Francis authorised spending up to €1m (£850,000) to free a Colombian nun kidnapped by al-Qaida-linked militants in Mali, a cardinal has testified, revealing previously secret papal approval to hire a British security firm to find the nun and secure her freedom.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s testimony could pose serious security implications for the Vatican and the Catholic church, since he provided evidence that the pope was apparently willing to pay ransom to Islamist militants.

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