The Vatican Started Penal Investigation

Monsignor Angelo Becciu

The Vatican started a penal investigation about the leaking of confidential documents about possible corruption and embezzlement along with in fights between members of the clergy. Pope Benedict XVI created a special commission to clear the scandal.

Monsignor Angelo Becciu, secretary of the Vatican Secretariat of State informed that the Pope was disturbed due to the disloyalty of those who leaked the documents. Such documents inform about the corruption in contracts, poor financial management, internal struggles and contempt regarding the Vatican efforts against laundering.

This scandal came in bad time for the Vatican since they are trying to obtain the European approval of their financial transparency. Last Friday a group of inspectors of the European Council concluded a three day visit in the Vatican to review the fulfillment of the norms demanded by the Group of Financial Action.

Now the Vatican awaits the results to enter in the “white list” of countries that share financial information, the Holy organization hopes that this action removes forever their reputation as tax haven filled with secrecy. (AV)