Vatican denies report that Vatican bank prelate is involved with 'gay lobby'
July 19, 2013
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The Vatican has rejected a report that the newly appointed prelate of the Institute for Religious Works (IOR) is a protected member of the 'gay lobby' at the Vatican.
Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, rejected as "not credible" a report by Sandro Magister of L'Espresso, who said that Msgr. Battista Ricca has a history of homosexual activity, which was concealed by sympathetic Vatican officials. Msgr. Ricca was appointed in June as prelate of the Vatican bank; Magister reported that when Pope Francis made that appointment, he was unaware of the scandals in the prelate's past.
Magister stood by his report, saying that each detail in his story had been "confirmed by primary sources."
However, John Allen of the National Catholic Reporter quoted an unnamed Vatican official as saying that Pope Francis had heard the evidence and retained his confidence in Msgr. Ricca. Another leading Vatican journalist, Andrea Tornielli of La Stampa, has also said that the new prelate of the IOR has the Pope's full support.
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Further information:
- Vatican denies scandal report on Vatican bank prelate (National Catholic Reporter)
- Italian journalist charges that Vatican bank prelate is protected by 'gay lobby' (CWN, 7/18)
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Posted by: florentine -
Jul. 23, 2013 4:21 PM ET USA
Magister has long been regarded as an excellent journalist who reports things correctly, and always with evidence to back up what he writes. So, does that mean Pope Francis actually did know about Msgr. Ricca's homosexual past, and still gives him "full support?" Or that the pope heard about it and does not believe it? Or that all hopes for Vatican cleansing and reform have been dashed? Or that the Gay (and liberal) Lobby will remain in tact, and even prevail, after all?!!
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Posted by: Niklas -
Jul. 21, 2013 3:05 PM ET USA
Very strange things going on in Rome. We should pray much for the Holy Father.
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Posted by: unum -
Jul. 19, 2013 9:58 PM ET USA
Could there be a continuing coverup of the charges contained in the "secret" report given to Pope Benedict shortly before his resignation? Pope Francis needs to speak candidly to the faithful after a tradition of scandal has damaged their confidence in the administration of their Church. Holy Father, "trust us" doesn't work any more!
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Posted by: Gil125 -
Jul. 19, 2013 5:29 PM ET USA
"Retained his confidence" and "full support" do not contradict the original report. Neither, for that matter, does "not credible." You can have confidence in the financial acumen of even a three-Euro bill.
