January 27, 2011. (Romereports.com) “Controversy” and “Vatican” are two concepts that guarantee success on television. The formula has proven true once again. And the Vatican spokesperson has threatened to sue those responsible.


On 25 January, the Italian TV program “Gli Intoccabili,” or “The Untouchables,” showed a private letter sent to the pope by Archbishop Carlo Viganò, the former number two of the Vatican's Governorate.

In it the archbishop talks about the financial losses he found in July of 2009 when he began working in the Governorate. He says there was a history of favoritism in the selection of Vatican contracts, such as gardening, cleaning and construction inside the Vatican. He notes that the payment was almost double the average market price, saying some cases amounted to clear “corruption”.

Obviously, these mechanisms break down, opening wounds and creating tension. Because of this, reports say the Vatican was pressured to dismiss Viganò.

In October of 2011 he was appointed nuncio in Washington.

The Vatican spokesman has decided to step in the case with an official statement.

In it he laments the “questionable journalistic methods” that characterize a “style of information hostile to the Vatican and the Catholic Church”.

He adds that “some allegations in the case will force them to follow all appropriate measures, including legal ones if necessary, to ensure the honesty of people who are morally upright and and recognized professionals, loyally serving the Church, the pope and the common good”.

He also underlined the successful management of Archbishop Viganò, saying his successor maintains these “correct and clear criteria for sound management and transparency”.

It also explains that the decision to relieve Vatican officials is not based solely “on the administrative rigor”. And that the position of Nuncio in the United States is not a punishment as it's one of highest positions in the entire of Vatican diplomacy.

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