Pope Leo XIV on Monday announced a relaxation of the Vatican’s strict financial investment regulations, effectively reversing a key reform introduced by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The new directive grants Vatican departments and affiliated institutions greater autonomy in managing and investing their funds. Under Francis’ 2021 reform, all investments were centralized under the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) to ensure transparency and prevent corruption following a series of financial scandals.Leo XIV’s changes are aimed at “encouraging responsible financial stewardship and flexibility” within the Church’s economic institutions, according to a statement from the Holy See.
Analysts say the move signals a shift in the Vatican’s financial governance approach, potentially marking a departure from Francis’ tight oversight and emphasis on central control.