Vatican: Pope sets new sights on anti-corruption fight

Pope Francis during a weekly session at the Vatican Library, April 28, 2021. via REUTERS - VATICAN MEDIA

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In the Vatican, Pope Francis tightens anti-corruption rules.

In a

motu proprio

, a new decree published this Thursday, the Pope asks that all the executives of the smallest state in the world sign a declaration of interest attesting that they are not suspected of embezzlement. 

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With our correspondent in Rome,  

Éric Sénanque 

After having already reformed the public procurement code at the Vatican last year, Pope Francis is applying a new turn of the screw in his anti-corruption fight. 

Now all the executives of the small state must sign a declaration in which they assure that they are not the subject of any court conviction, that they are not the subject of trials or

ongoing criminal investigations

for corruption, fraud, terrorism, money laundering, exploitation of minors or tax evasion.

Regarding their assets, it is also out of the question that they hold funds or investments in tax havens or countries with little attention to corruption.

The Holy See, which has adhered to the United Nations Mérida Convention against corruption "

 has decided to comply with best practices to prevent and counter 

" this phenomenon, we can read in this decree.

In the event of false or misleading statements, employees could be dismissed and the Holy See could even claim damages.

Another novelty in this decree, which this time concerns all Vatican employees: the ban on receiving gifts worth more than 40 euros.

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See also: Financial scandal in the Vatican: first prison sentence for money laundering

One of the most prominent cardinals, the Italian

Angelo Becciu

, former number two in the Secretariat of State, was pushed last year to resign by Pope Francis who told him he was unworthy of his confidence because suspected of "embezzlement" by investigators.

Vatican justice has not yet communicated on this affair, the deposed cardinal for his part claiming his innocence.

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  • Vatican

  • Corruption

  • Finance

  • Pope Francis