Rome's fiscal crisis could complicate plans for canonizations of John Paul II, John XXIII

February 28, 2014

A severe fiscal crisis in the city of Rome could create enormous problems for Vatican officials planning the April 27 ceremonies for the canonizations of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII.

Newly installed Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has blocked proposals for an infusion of cash into Rome. As a result, Mayor Ignazio Marino has warned, the city will be unable to pay employees in March. Marino said that the result could be a halt in bus service, trash collection, and other essential services. He observed that the resulting chaos could endanger the canonizations, which he described as “an event of a planetary scale.”

 

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Further information:

• Cash-strapped Rome gives Renzi first big headache (ANSA)