'Vatileaks 2' Spanish priest could go to jail for three years

A SPANISH priest faces just over three years in prison for his alleged role in the so-called 'Vatileaks 2' case, where confidential financial data concerning the Vatican were made public.

Lucio Vallejo is considered to be the 'main character and main motor' behind the leaking of the Holy See's accounts, and the prosecution - working for the Papal headquarters - has applied for a three-year, one-month jail sentence.

He is said to have disclosed information relating to the economic and administrative investigatory commission for the Vatican, COSEA, when he was its secretary.

Vallejo is said to have formed a 'shadow group' along with the other accused COSEA employee, Francesca Chaouqui.

Francesca (pictured), who has just given birth to her first child, is facing three years and nine months in prison, since the prosecution considers her to be the 'true motor' and 'instigator' of the leaks.

Attending court with her newborn son in his pram, she told reporters around her that the prosecution's recommendations were 'surreal'.

Former co-worker of Vallejo, COSEA's ex-secretary Nicolà Maio, is looking at a year and nine months behind bars.

The charges all three are facing include belonging to a 'criminal association' and with 'divulging confidential material', which, in accordance with current Vatican law, can carry prison sentences of up to eight years.