Pope Francis admitted on Saturday that “certain behaviors on the part of members of the Church seriously impair its effectiveness in reflecting divine light,” in a speech at the inauguration of the 94th judicial year of the Vatican State Court.
“In recent years, the number of disputes has increased and, in many cases, the seriousness of known conduct, particularly in the context of wealth and financial management,” said the religious leader.
Even so, the pontiff called for “clarity” to avoid “confusing the tree with the forest.”
“The problem is not the trials, but the facts and behaviors that determine them and make them painfully necessary. In fact, such behaviors on the part of church members seriously undermine its effectiveness in reflecting divine light,” he added.
Francis thus alluded to the trial for alleged financial irregularities in the ruinous 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 established a of their own accord in which “all movable and immovable property” acquired by the Curia or related entities belong to the “public” patrimony of the “indivisible and sovereign” Holy See.
With this “law”, Francisco assures that the Vatican institutions can manage the goods they buy, but “without being the owners”, always acting in the name and under the authority of the pontiff.
Source: TSF
