The events surrounding a loss-making real estate investment in London still worry the Vatican's judicial system. A new verdict against the former Vatican auditor is difficult. A claim for damages worth millions was dismissed.
The Vatican State court has rejected a compensation claim worth millions brought by former Vatican chief auditor Libero Milone and another plaintiff. The Vatican announced this on Wednesday night.
Milone and his now-deceased colleague Ferruccio Panicco sued the Vatican Secretariat of State and the Auditor's Office because, in their opinion, they were subjected to unduly rigorous interrogations by the Vatican Gendarmerie in 2017, as well as being forced to hand over files and subsequently sign termination agreements. The events occurred in connection with a real estate scandal that has since been largely resolved.
Compensation claims worth 9.3 million euros
In total, the two's credits amounted to around 9.3 million euros. However, the court ruled that neither the Secretariat of State nor the Auditor's Office were involved in the actions of the Vatican Gendarmerie at the time. The gendarmerie is subordinate to the government (the “governed”) of Vatican City and not to the Holy See.
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was also involved in the events surrounding the dismissal of Milone and Pannico, acted beyond his authority. The court therefore declared that, as a substitute for the Secretary of State, Becciu had no authority to interfere in the matter.
The auditor's office was also not involved in the actions of the gendarmes commanded by their captain Domenico Giani, who has since taken early retirement. At the time, he was responsible for the arrests, interrogations and confiscation of official and private documents and was also criticized within the Vatican for his harsh approach.
It's your fault for damaging your reputation
According to the court, they themselves are responsible for the possible damage to their reputation caused by media reports about the incident, because they went to the press with interviews and statements. The Vatican only published a neutral statement about the entire process.
The court finally ordered Milone to pay 49,336 euros to the Secretariat of State and his former employer, the audit office. The heirs of the deceased whistleblower Pannico were ordered to pay 64,140 euros. (cic)
© Catholic Media Center, January 25, 2024
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