Pope Francis Tightens Oversight on Vatican Financial Affairs

The Vatican has announced the launch of a new system that allows whistleblowers to raise issues related to fraud and corruption, marking the latest step by Pope Francis to tighten oversight on the financial affairs of the Holy See. In a statement reported by AFP, it was noted that "the new system will come into effect at the beginning of February, allowing reports on irregularities in spending and public procurement, as well as acts of corruption." Officials, advisers, and contractors can report anything suspicious either through an email to a designated address or to the General Auditor, who heads the Vatican's anti-corruption unit. The process requires that reports be signed, but the General Auditor's office ensures the confidentiality of the sender's identity and the content reported, unless the matter escalates to court. The Vatican noted in the statement that "reporting irregularities is one of the most effective tools in combating corruption."