Roberto Calvi, a man guarding a dangerous secret about the Vatican Bank’s criminal activities, sends a threatening letter to the Pope. A week later on June 17th, 1982 he’s found dead hanging from a bridge in London. British police call it suicide, but questions and conspiracies swirl. Forty years on, lawyer Nicolo Majnoni gets a tip there might be more to the story and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. Was Roberto Calvi, aka God’s Banker, killed? And if so, by whom? Shadow Kingdom is a new series from Crooked Media and Campside Media. Each season starts with a crime, and as the layers are peeled back to find out who or what is at the center of it, a larger system at play is revealed. Get early access to the full season by joining Crooked’s Friends of the Pod at crooked.com/friends. Hear the Italian language version of Shadow Kingdom: God’s Banker by subscribing to Il Banchiere di Dio wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chapter 1: What is Shadow Kingdom: God’s Banker about?
It was the summer of 1982. My friend Mario was preparing to interview one of the richest bankers in Europe. A man who was also the most famous fugitive in the world. When suddenly, a note came across Mario's desk. The wire said, Calvi found dead in London under the Blackfriars Bridge. Suicide? Question mark.
Chapter 2: Who was Roberto Calvi and why is he significant?
The name of the man he was supposed to interview was Roberto Calvi, better known as God's Banker, the top money man for the Pope. Police argued whether this was a suicide or a murder. And the case only became more twisted as investigators dug deeper. My name is Niccolo Mainoni, and for years I have been obsessed with one of Europe's greatest mysteries. Who killed God's banker?
Chapter 3: What are the mysteries surrounding Roberto Calvi's death?
An obsession that's brought me into the underbelly of some of the most secretive circles of power.
Chapter 4: What is Niccolo Mainoni's role in uncovering the truth?
Chapter 5: How does the corrupt system play a role in the story?
This system is completely corrupt, completely illegitimate. Therefore, it's okay to blow up this entire building.
I've talked to spies and mafia bosses. And I've recorded mind-bending stories of conspiracy and espionage.
So I say, look, we have this guy moving. We know that he's in contact with this character, a fixer. The man points a gun at me and shoots. He basically dropped to the floor. It was unbelievable.
All to find out what truly happened to the banker who had the Vatican, the mafia, and a secret far-right branch of Freemasons all pounding on his door. Coming March 17th from Crooked Media and Campside Media, this is Shadow Kingdom, Season 1, God's Banker.
Find it wherever you get your podcasts or get early access for the full season by joining Crooked's Friends of the Pod at crooked.com slash friends.
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