Pope Francis Issues Law That Forbids Vatican Employees From Accepting Gifts Over $48
On 4/29/21 at 10:48 AM EDT
In an effort to cut down on corruption among Vatican employees, Pope Francis instituted a new policy that prohibits them from receiving any work-related gift with a value over 40 euros ($48).
The work-related qualifier will likely be open to interpretation, but the new rule is aimed at cutting back on the lavish gifts that Vatican employees are accustomed to receiving.
Among other anti-corruption regulations enacted by the pope are requirements that Vatican cardinals and managers periodically declare that they are only investing in funds consistent with Catholic doctrine, and that they are not under criminal investigation or stashing money in tax havens.
The most striking part of the law is a measure that, if broadly applied, would amount to a revolution in curial culture: It prohibits any Vatican employee from receiving work-related gifts with a value of over 40 euros ($48).
While “work-related” will likely be open to some interpretation, the prohibition is clearly aimed at cutting down on the sometimes lavish gifts that Vatican officials are accustomed to receiving from wealthy benefactors, friends and fellow clerics.
Credit: AP
In this Dec. 21, 2019 file photo, Pope Francis delivers his speech on the occasion of his Christmas greetings to the Roman Curia, in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool)
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