Retired Naples cardinal Giordano dies at 80
Dec 03, 2010
Retired Naples Cardinal Michele Giordano, the highest ranking church official to ever stand trial in Italy, has died at the age of 80.
ROME -- Church officials say he was admitted to a hospital in Naples a week ago and died Thursday night. No cause of death was given.
The Vatican released a condolence message from Pope Benedict XVI, calling Giordano "a dear brother who generously served the Gospel and the church."
The cardinal was acquitted in 2000 of charges that he supplied about $800,000 (euro600,000) to finance a loan-shark ring run linked to his family. He was also accused of misappropriating another $500,000 in church funds. He had always proclaimed his innocence.
Giordano served as archbishop of Naples from 1987 until 2006 when he retired for reasons of age.
The Associated Press
Friday, December 3, 2010; 7:15 AM
Retired Naples cardinal Giordano dies at 80