In a new biography, 'Benedict XVI: A Life', the retired pope rejects accusations of interfering in church debates since his resignation in 2013, claiming this is a “malicious distortion of the truth.”

The Holy See decided to commute the 18-month prison sentence because of ‘questions regarding freedom of thought’.

Many of the claims made in two new books are based on information dating from before Vatican economic reforms made: Fr Federico Lombardi.

The arrests come days before the publication of two books by Italian journalists on Vatican finances based on confidential information.

Archbishop Pietro Parolin replaces Cardinal Bertone whose tenure was beset by scandals.