The Vatican Bank recently fired two employees for violating a newly-introduced ban on marriages between staff. The Institute for the Works of Religion, as it is officially known, made the decision to terminate the couple due to the formation of a married couple among employees contradicting current regulations at the bank. The decision was based on the need to maintain transparency and impartiality within the institution, rather than questioning the right of the two individuals to be united in marriage. The policy was created to prevent conflicts of interest at an institution with a small number of employees, all working in the same location.
The couple, who have not been named, informed the bank of their intention to marry in February, unaware of the new regulations banning marriage among employees which were adopted in May. Their employment was terminated on October 1, prompting their lawyer, Laura Sgro, to challenge and contest the decision on the grounds that it violates the fundamental rights of individuals and workers. The couple even appealed for an exemption from the rules to Pope Francis and bank director Gian Franco Mammi, but received no response to their request.
The Vatican Bank has a history of financial scandals, leading Pope Francis to set up an expert committee in 2013 to recommend reforms to the economic and administrative structures of the Holy See in an effort to combat the problem. The pope has been dedicated to cracking down on financial corruption, aiming to bring transparency and accountability to the Vatican’s management of money. Since then, various investigations have led to convictions for high-profile figures, including former bank head Angelo Caloia who was sentenced to nearly nine years in prison for money laundering and aggravated embezzlement. Additionally, Giovanni Angelo Becciu received a five and a half year jail sentence for embezzlement, becoming the first cardinal to be convicted and sentenced by a Vatican court.
Overall, the Vatican Bank’s decision to fire two employees for violating the ban on marriages between staff highlights the institution’s commitment to transparency and impartiality. The couple’s termination has sparked legal challenges due to the perceived violation of fundamental rights. The Vatican Bank’s history of financial scandals and efforts by Pope Francis to reform the economic and administrative structures underscore the ongoing struggle to combat financial corruption within the Holy See. Despite high-profile convictions, individuals like Becciu continue to deny charges and plan to appeal their sentences. The Vatican Bank’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability in financial management, especially within religious institutions.
