In a presentation of a new book, the French newspaper Lacroix spotted what the author said was the "manipulation" of the reforms sought by Pope Francesco by the Vatican Secretariat, which opposes any censorship, wondering whether it is up to the Vatican to pay the salaries of his employees?
The day of reckoning - the name of the new book published in Italy by journalist Gianluigi Nosi - reveals that the budget deficit of the Holy See has tripled. He particularly questioned the management of the property of the country, of which French Catholics are a major contributor, saying the danger was real and would become apparent by 2023.
Among the internal documents quoted by the journalist from the Vatilex leaks, a memorandum from the Economic Council of Spring 2018 confirms how "recurrent and structural deficits have reached alarming levels, with the potential to stop payment without urgent intervention."
Alarming numbers
From inflated public expenditures to staff expenses, the published figures are alarming, despite calls by the Pope to curb spending, especially as 90 percent of Vatican spending is out of the rules, according to Nosi.
Repair is disabled
As a result of the non-implementation of the papal reforms, the author says: the Vatican deficit, which has not published accurate calculations since 2012, was about 32 million euros in 2017, but it should have reached 95.3 million in 2019. Therefore, the Economic Council warns that "This serious situation threatens the financial sustainability of the Holy See in the medium term and affects the resources available to support the mission of the Church."
Although Francesco began a serious reform of finance since he was chosen as head of the Vatican, the reform remained under "sedation, obstruction or sabotage" by the Secretariat. As the writer confirms, wondering what prevents the Pope appointed them to control accounts effectively?
Inefficient management
Lacroix said Nuzi highlighted in his book two black spots, the first being the secretary of state who manages the Pope's expenses and does not accept any control over its accounts, even by people sent by the Pope.
This same body is also responsible for the Pope's charity, which the author describes as risky, and warns of a dramatic drop in donations, noting that the only donors whose contributions have increased are French Catholics.
The second black spot is the Department of Heritage at the Apostolic Headquarters, which acts as the central bank of the Vatican.
The authority also manages the Vatican's real estate portfolio, estimated at 2.7 billion euros, says the writer, who denounces its "catastrophic" management of the property.He explained that 15% of the 3,200 buildings for rent are occupied for free, and the rest provides only 10% of what it should provide.