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Pope Leo XIV Abolishes Controversial Vatican Fundraising Commission

He signals a reset in Vatican fundraising to address transparency concerns raised by donors.

Overview

  • The decree revokes the commission’s statutes, dismisses its members, transfers its assets to the Holy See, and tasks the Office of Patrimony with overseeing the dissolution.
  • Signed on September 29 and disclosed on Sunday, the order shutters a body announced on February 26 while Pope Francis was hospitalized.
  • A new working group will be formed from candidates proposed by the Council for the Economy, with final approval by the Pope, to design future fundraising structures.
  • The dissolved panel drew criticism for an all-Italian lineup with no professional fundraisers and for ties to the Secretariat of State following the costly London real-estate episode.
  • The shift comes as 2024 accounts show a €1.6 million surplus and external donations near €237.6 million, while employee representatives press for clarity on pensions and asset management.