If The Butler Did It, Why?

Pope Benedict XVI, center, poses during a private audience at the Vatican with a group of prelates preparing to serve the Holy See abroad in diplomatic posts. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano)

At the Vatican Monday morning, Pope Benedict XVI made only his second public reference to the scandal that’s consuming most of the headlines in Italy: “Vatileaks,” the leaking of the pope’s personal papers to the media.

In a talk that Benedict gave to Vatican diplomatic appointees, the 85-year-old pontiff stressed the need for loyalty and trust.

“Vatileaks” has exposed corruption, intense gossip and intrigue among rival factions jockeying for power in the Roman Catholic Church. The pope’s butler, Paolo Gabriele, has been arrested and will be tried by Vatican authorities, but many are wondering did the butler really do it, and if he did, did he act alone?

Guest:

• Alan Johnston, BBC correspondent