“In recent years, the number of legal disputes has increased, as has, in many cases, the seriousness of known behaviors, particularly in the context of asset and financial management,” said the religious leader.
Still, the pope asked for “clarity” so as not to “confuse the tree with the forest”.
“The problem is not the judgments, but the facts and behaviors that define them and make them painfully necessary. Indeed, such behaviors on the part of church members seriously undermine their effectiveness in reflecting divine light,” he added.
Francis was alluding to the process of alleged financial irregularities in the catastrophic sale of a building in London, by the Vatican Secretariat of State, in which 10 people are accused, including former Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu.
In recent days, the pope has instituted a motu proprio in which “all movable and immovable property” acquired by the Curia or related entities belong to the “public” patrimony of the Holy See “indivisible and sovereign”.
With this “law”, Francis ensures that Vatican institutions can manage the goods they buy, but “without being the owner”, always acting in the name and under the authority of the pope.
Source: DN
