So you are saying the pardons where political.
They threw in a token pervert for the pope. The token pervert was used against them.
The Pope has more than one manner to convey that he will be a well-mannered guest, if the host country ante’s up a list of people to be pardoned.
I am *guessing* that K. Novak did not take the time, to carefully consider her list. That, without a guess, was a list conjured up for her - as you suggested - by her staff.
I am not guessing, that J. Vargas did flag the man in question, but there is a very great wish amongst their party, that K. Novak would prove to be a good leader . . . and J. Vargas backed down.
Tragic for the conservative party of V. Orban et al.