Leading Vatican official downplays speculation on changes to Curia, Vatican bank

May 01, 2013

Archbishop Giovanni Becciu, the sostituto, or deputy secretary of state responsible for the internal affairs of the Roman Curia, has told L’Osservatore Romano that “it is absolutely premature to make any assumptions about the future structure of the Curia.”

“The Pope was surprised at being assigned phrases that he never said and that misrepresent his thought,” he said in reference to speculation about the future of the Vatican bank. “The will of the Holy Father [is] to take the time necessary for reflection--and for prayer, we should not forget--to have a profound picture of the situation,” he added in reference to the restructuring of the Curia.

“We must not forget the first task assigned to the group of eight cardinals: to assist the Pope in governing the universal Church,” he continued. “I would not want curiosity” about Curial reform to “overshadow the profound meaning of the gesture made by Pope Francis.”

At the same time, Archbishop Becciu said, the group of cardinals does not affect the primacy of the Pope because it is a consultative body, and not a decision-making one.

“I was able to collaborate closely with Pope Benedict; I am now continuing my service with Pope Francis,” he concluded. “Naturally each has his own personality, his own style, and I feel really privileged through this close contact with two men entirely dedicated to the good of the whole Church, detached from themselves, immersed in God and with a sole passion: to make known the beauty of the Gospel to the men and women of today.”

 

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Further information:

• La riforma di Papa Francesco (L’Osservatore Romano)