Pope Francis suspends Caritas Internationalis leadership team

Aloysius John, the secretary general of Caritas Internationalis, was suspended from his duties by Pope Francis on Tuesday 22 November.

AP - Alessandra Tarantino

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

Pope Francis has issued a decree suspending the leadership team of the Catholic Mutual Aid Association, which leads a confederation of 166 organizations around the world, following workplace harassment scandals.

A commissioner has been appointed to prepare the next general assembly. 

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" 

 ," the Vatican said in a statement.

This surprise announcement concerning CI came " 

" set up by the Vatican.

It is a decision as radical as it is unexpected: by a decree,

therefore suspended the management of Caritas Internationalis and appointed a commissioner to take the reins of the organization, the Italian layman Pier Francesco Pinelli, reports our correspondent at Rome,

.

Close to Jesuit spirituality, this 59-year-old man worked in a large consulting firm, he had already carried out an audit mission within Caritas.

The organization based in the Vatican quickly dispelled doubts: the internal problems concern the poor working conditions of many employees, no financial irregularities or deviant sexual behavior to report.

For several months, internal complaints have targeted the secretary general of the organization Aloysius John, an Indian who also has French nationality.

Intimidation, humiliation in public… Facts of harassment have been denounced.

“

” testifies a former victim on condition of anonymity.

Caritas Internationalis is therefore under supervision until next May and the next general assembly of the Catholic organization.

A new President, Secretary General and Treasurer will then be elected.

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