Pope Leo XIV Cancels Controversial Vatican Fundraising Commission

Pope Leo XIV has dismantled a major Vatican fundraising body. The move cancels a commission created under his predecessor. The announcement was made on Thursday from Rome.This decision corrects a financial move made while Pope Francis was ill. It represents a significant step in Leo’s ongoing financial reforms. The American pope is shifting how the Holy See handles donations.

Scrutiny Over Commission’s Origins and Makeup

The fundraising commission was announced on February 26. Pope Francis was in the hospital with pneumonia at that time. The announcement came from the Secretariat of State.The commission’s members were all Italian. None had professional fundraising experience. This immediately raised credibility questions.Its president was from the Secretariat of State. That office had lost financial powers after a scandal. According to the Associated Press, the move seemed to concentrate power back into a problematic office.U.S. Catholics are the Vatican’s biggest donors. Their absence from the board was notable. The commission’s structure suggested a lack of transparency.

A Financial Reset Amid Improving Vatican Books

Pope Leo’s decree formally suppresses the commission. Its assets will return to the broader Holy See. A new, properly vetted working group will be formed.The move aims for a clean slate on fundraising strategy. It addresses concerns from major international donors. Transparency and accountability are now central goals.This action coincides with better financial news. The Vatican’s economy ministry recently reported a smaller deficit. Donations to the Holy See actually increased in 2024.External donations rose to over 237 million euros. The overall budget saw a surplus. This marks a positive shift after years of shortfalls.Challenges like pension fund obligations remain. However, the financial trajectory is improving. Pope Leo has expressed cautious optimism about the Vatican’s fiscal health.

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This decisive action on Vatican fundraising underscores Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to transparent governance and financial stability for the Holy See.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: Why was the old fundraising commission controversial?

It was announced while Pope Francis was hospitalized. The commission lacked professional fundraisers and any American members, which hurt its credibility with key donors.

Q2: What happens to the commission’s money now?

Pope Leo’s decree states all assets will revert to the general funds of the Holy See. The Vatican’s patrimony office will manage the winding-down process.

Q3: Is the Vatican’s financial situation improving?

Recent reports show a significantly reduced deficit and a budget surplus for 2024. Donations increased, marking a positive trend after years of financial strain.

Q4: What was wrong with the commission’s structure?

It was composed entirely of Italians with no fundraising expertise. It reported to the Secretariat of State, an office previously punished for financial misconduct.

Q5: What will replace the canceled commission?

A new papal working group will be created. It will develop fresh fundraising proposals under a more transparent and accountable structure approved by Pope Leo.