Overview

• The Vatican's Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life issued a Pontifical Commission to take control of the San Giacomo di Veglia monastery after an apostolic visitation identified internal issues.
• Abbess Aline Pereira Ghammachi was removed from her position on April 21, 2025, and replaced by Mother Martha Driscoll as pontifical commissioner, supported by two counsellors.
• Five nuns fled the monastery on April 29, 2025, reporting their situation to the Carabinieri and relocating to a secret location, citing unbearable conditions after the leadership change.
• The fleeing nuns allege that tensions within the monastery worsened significantly following the removal of Abbess Aline, to whom they were closely attached.
• The Diocese of Vittorio Veneto confirmed the monastery's commissariation but has declined further comment, while Abbess Aline is contesting her removal.