As for the cheque, he said he might have simply scooped it up by mistake as he carted off documents from the Pope's office, the BBC's Alan Johnston reports.

BBC: Pope's ex-butler Gabriele 'kept top secret papers'

The BBC's Alan Johnston reports from Rome that there has been no word yet as to how the Pope responded to the appeal.

BBC: Argentina's Fernandez raises Falklands with Pope Francis

The Pope appears to be planning a complete retreat from the public eye, the BBC's Alan Johnston reports from the Vatican.

BBC: Pope Benedict hints he will retire into seclusion