The pope’s absolute power, and the problems it can cause, are on display in 2 Vatican trials

By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Two Vatican trials are coming to a head this week. They are posing uncomfortable questions for the Holy See. They both underscore Pope Francis’ absolute power and the legal, financial and reputational problems that can arise when he wields it. One involves the Vatican’s auditor, who says he was wrongfully dismissed in 2017 after the pope lost confidence in him. Another one involves a complicated investment in a London property. The defense is giving closing arguments this week, and already the Vatican’s in-house media says the narrative has changed.