The Vatican appeals tribunal declared a mistrial Tuesday in a major financial trial, a setback for Pope Francis and Vatican prosecutors. The ruling cited procedural errors by both the Pope and the prosecution that invalidated the original indictment. The court scheduled the new trial to begin June 22.

Defense lawyers called the decision significant, noting it effectively nullified actions taken under the Pope’s authority. Prosecutors had originally pursued convictions related to the Vatican’s $413 million investment in a London property, alleging brokers and officials overcharged the Holy See and extorted $16.5 million to cede control of the asset. Cardinal Angelo Becciu was sentenced to 5½ years for embezzlement, and eight others were convicted on related financial charges. All maintained their innocence and appealed.

The appeals court agreed with defense claims that prosecutors had failed to provide full evidence and that several secret papal decrees giving investigative powers were improperly issued. One decree, the court ruled, effectively acted as law but was invalid due to failure to publish.

Defense attorneys Massimo Bassi and Cataldo Intrieri said the ruling “results in the complete nullity of the entire investigation and trial” and expressed confidence in securing acquittals in the new proceedings.

The tribunal ordered prosecutors to submit all documentation in original form by April 30. The defense has until June 15 to prepare motions for the June 22 start of the retrial.