Pope ex-butler Paolo Gabriele guilty of theft

Pope Benedict's ex-butler Paolo Gabriele has been found guilty of stealing confidential papers and sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Prosecutors had called for a three-year sentence but it was reduced because of "mitigating circumstances".

Speaking before the verdict, he said he acted out of love for the Church and did not see himself as a thief.

The BBC's Alan Johnston said there would very likely be an appeal, but this had not yet been confirmed by Mr Gabriele's defence counsel.