Australian Police to look into allegations of a Vatican rival trying to influence George Pell's trial

Italian media has reported claims Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu - considered a rival of Pell - is suspected of transferring $1.14 million to a bank account in Australia.

Australia’s financial crime watchdog has passed information to police about allegations a Vatican rival transferred money to Australia to help secure a conviction against Cardinal George Pell.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis defended the right of gay couples to enter into legally recognised civil unions in a documentary that premiered at the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday.