Libero Milone, the Vatican’s first auditor general, has gone public with allegations of financial mismanagement during his tenure, including missing sums and irregular transfers.
In an exclusive interview, Milone emphasized the stakes: “If the Vatican finances are sound, it means that our Church will continue.
If the Vatican finances are not sound, it’s going to have problems.”
Milone’s revelations have resurfaced old questions about accountability, transparency, and governance in the Holy See, especially during the period when Cardinal George Pell oversaw the Secretariat for the Economy.
A Career Built for Oversight
Before joining the Vatican, Milone spent over 30 years at Deloitte in Italy and the U.S., building a career in financial auditing.
His mandate at the Vatican was clear: scrutinize balance sheets, assess financial operations, and report irregularities.
But after two years, Milone resigned abruptly, claiming he was forced out after uncovering potential fraud.
“I began to find evidence of irregularities, and then pressure came from certain officials,” he said.
Legal Battle Over Forced Resignation
Milone filed a legal complaint alleging he was pushed out by Cardinal Angelo Becciu.
The Vatican argued that any pressure Becciu applied was personal, not official.
The case has since been dismissed, with Milone filing a final appeal.
“Eight years have gone by, and we have requested documents proving the alleged crimes multiple times.
We’ve never been given them,” Milone stated, noting a lack of transparency in the accusations against him.
Financial Irregularities and Unaccounted Transfers
During his tenure, Milone flagged numerous issues to Vatican authorities:
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APSA Payment System: Milone confirmed a journalist’s findings that the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) had a payment system flaw allowing transfers to be redirected without appearing in initial records.
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Reports to Authorities: Over two years, Milone reported 15 issues to the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AIF) and to the Promoter of Justice, yet responses were minimal or non-existent.
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The 2.5 Million Euro Ward Transfer: Milone discovered that funds intended for a hospital ward had been transferred in multiple payments, but no ward was built, and the money left the hospital’s account.
“These were my responsibilities: review, report, and move to the next issue,” Milone said.
“I was not a judicial officer. I simply did my job.”
Vatican Response and Institutional Silence
The Vatican has declined to comment on Milone’s interviews, which he interprets as institutional embarrassment.
“They’re very embarrassed what two individuals did within the Vatican from an institutional standpoint, and they don’t have the answer,” Milone said.
Despite these tensions, Pope Leo XIV has described the Vatican’s finances as stable, with a reported surplus of 60 million euros in 2024. Milone remains cautious.
“The financial situation may be better than expected, but some issues would have been very difficult to remove in a short period,” he said.
Impact and Consequences
The allegations raise serious concerns about governance and accountability within the Vatican:
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Trust and Transparency: Questions about financial oversight could undermine confidence among Catholics worldwide.
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Legal Precedents: The resolution of Milone’s final appeal may set benchmarks for how internal Vatican whistleblowers are treated.
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Financial Integrity: Reports of unaccounted transfers and irregular systems could complicate the Vatican’s future audits and financial reforms.
What’s Next?
Milone hopes to meet with Pope Leo to provide a comprehensive briefing on the challenges he observed.
His final appeal will determine whether his claims can proceed legally or reach closure.
Observers note that ongoing investigations and reforms may continue to reveal irregularities, shaping Vatican financial policy in the years ahead.
Summary
Libero Milone’s disclosures have reignited debate over financial accountability in the Vatican.
From mismanaged payments at APSA to missing millions intended for a hospital project, Milone’s claims underscore the difficulty of enforcing transparency in complex religious institutions.
While the Vatican reports a surplus under Pope Leo XIV, questions remain over whether all irregularities have been addressed.
Bulleted Takeaways
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Libero Milone alleges financial irregularities and missing funds during his tenure as Vatican auditor general.
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He resigned after two years, claiming pressure from Cardinal Angelo Becciu.
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APSA’s payment system reportedly allowed transfers to be redirected without appearing in official records. 2.5 million euros intended for a hospital ward were transferred, but no ward was built.
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Milone filed a legal complaint against the Vatican, which was dismissed; a final appeal is underway.
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Transparency concerns persist despite a reported 60 million euro surplus in 2024.
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✝ Milone hopes to brief Pope Leo XIV directly on financial challenges facing the Holy See.
