The death more than 20 years ago of Roberto Calvi, the man known as “God’s banker” for his close Vatican ties, has always fascinated the wor...

The death more than 20 years ago of Roberto Calvi, the man known as “God’s banker” for his close Vatican ties, has always fascinated the world of finance and beyond. And it would appear that his death has risen again as a cause célèbre.

Yesterday five people went on trial in Italy accused of murdering Mr Calvi. The former head of Banco Ambrosiano, was found hanging under London’s Blackfriars Bridge.

He had bricks stuffed in his pockets and $15,000 on his person when found dangling from scaffolding under the bridge. His death came shortly after Banco Ambrosiano went bankrupt in a spectacular scandal involving loans to Latin American companies.

A Sicilian mobster, a Sardinian financier and three others are accused of killing Mr Calvi. Rome prosecutors say the Mafia murdered Mr Calvi for stealing from them and from Italian financier Licio Gelli, who was the head of the shadowy P2 masonic organisation. P2 had links to many prominent Italian politicians and business leaders during the 1980s.