Vatican Bank Rehires Couple After Controversial Marriage Rule Firing

A married couple has been reinstated by the Vatican after being fired from its bank. Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani were dismissed for violating an internal rule against workplace marriages. Their rehiring was confirmed by the union for Vatican lay employees.

The settlement marks the end of a wrongful termination lawsuit the couple filed. The union hailed the outcome as a victory for common sense. This case had drawn significant attention to the Vatican’s employment policies.

Details of the Settlement and the Couple’s Struggle

The couple married on August 31, 2024. They learned of the bank’s marriage rule afterward. The institution suggested one of them should resign voluntarily.

Carlucci and Fabiani could not afford to lose an income. They had financial obligations from previous marriages and a new mortgage. They also had three children to support between them.

According to the Associated Press, the couple did not consider canceling their wedding. They pursued legal action to challenge their dismissal. Their case highlighted a clash between institutional rules and personal circumstances.

Broader Implications of the Labor Dispute

The union stated the victory was not complete. Vatican procedures do not require the reimbursement of legal fees for the winning party. This left the couple to bear their own legal costs.

The union’s statement also criticized the foundation of Vatican labor law. It noted the regulation would be considered unconstitutional in Italy. The case exposed a lack of social safety nets for employees during such disputes.

The resolution suggests a potential shift in how such personnel rules are applied. It sets a precedent for future labor disagreements within the Vatican city-state. The specific office where the couple will now work was not immediately disclosed.

This settlement closes a contentious chapter for the Vatican bank. The reinstatement of the employees underscores the ongoing evolution of workplace norms within the institution. The Vatican Bank case will likely be referenced in future discussions on labor rights and family values.

Thought you’d like to know

Why were the Vatican bank employees fired?

They were dismissed for getting married. An internal rule at the bank prohibited employees from marrying each other. This violated the institution’s workplace policy.

What was the outcome of their lawsuit?

The couple reached a settlement with the Vatican. They have been rehired as part of the agreement. Their union called the result a victory of common sense.

Did the couple get their legal fees paid?

No, they did not. The union confirmed that Vatican procedures do not provide for legal fee reimbursement. The couple had to cover these costs themselves.

What did the union say about the rule?

The union stated the regulation lacks solid foundations. It also noted that such a rule would be deemed unconstitutional in Italy. The case questioned the application of Vatican labor law.

Did the couple ask for Pope Francis’s help?

Yes, they had hoped for an intervention. When they filed the lawsuit, they told the Associated Press they hoped the Pope, known for emphasizing family values, would get involved.