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Pope Francis
Photo: Evandro Inetti / dpa
Pope Francis has relieved the entire management level of Caritas Internationalis of their tasks and put an acting management at the head of the aid organization.
The Holy See published a corresponding decree on Tuesday.
With the surprising decision, Francis wanted to "improve management norms and procedures," as the dicastery responsible for holistic human development announced.
In addition to the Caritas President, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Vice Presidents, the Secretary General, the Treasurer and the members of the Executive Council were dismissed.
Now Pier Francesco Pinelli is to lead the umbrella organization of the 162 national Caritas associations as special commissioner;
the Italian used to be the manager of numerous energy companies.
Cardinal Tagle will initially remain as a consultant and take care of relations with the local Caritas organizations.
In May 2023, the regular General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis with new elections will take place in Rome.
According to the Vatican, the previous Caritas management "managed financial matters well and regularly achieved the donation goals".
When the organization was reviewed by external experts - including Pinelli - "weaknesses in management" were found that "seriously damage the team spirit and morale of the employees," it said.
In addition, the dicastery wrote: "There was no evidence of financial mismanagement or inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature, but at the same time issues and areas were identified that require urgent attention." What they are aiming for is so far unclear.
bbr/dpa