Pope Francis on Tuesday appointed a temporary administrator for Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based Catholic charity network, after outside experts revealed “deficiencies” in the organization’s management and procedures.
The surprise decision, announced in a Vatican statement, removes existing leadership from the organization, a federation of 162 Catholic aid, development and social organizations active in 200 countries.
The move follows an audit of Caritas Internationalis’ “working environment” by a panel of independent experts commissioned by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Advancement of Integral Human Development (DPIHD).
“No evidence of financial mismanagement or sexual misconduct has emerged, but the panel’s work revealed other important themes and urgent areas of concern,” the DPIHD said in a statement. “Real shortcomings in management and procedures were observed, which seriously damaged the team spirit and morale of the employees.”
DPIHD Chief Executive Michael Czerny added that the needs of those served by Caritas “have increased significantly in recent years, and it is imperative that Caritas Internationalis is well prepared to meet these challenges.”
The new temporary administrator is Pier Francesco Pinelli, a former director of renewable energy and a Jesuit-trained adviser to Bain. Among his duties will be leading preparations for the next general meeting of all Caritas member organizations, scheduled for May 2023, when a president, general secretary and treasurer will be elected.
The DPIHD said that “there will be no impact on the functioning of member organizations and the charitable and solidarity services they provide around the world. “On the contrary, it will serve to strengthen this service,” he said.
In a formal decree, Francis pointed to Caritas’ role in helping him in his “ministry to the poorest and most deprived,” but said the regulatory framework needed to be reviewed.
Caritas Internationalis had a turnover of more than five million euros in 2020, according to its annual report, almost half from membership fees and donations from member organizations and the rest from contributions from external donors.
The Vatican said “financial issues were handled well and fundraising targets were met regularly”, but the aim is now “to improve its management rules and procedures”.
Source: DN
