Former IOR President Hopes to Speak to Francis

Reflects on Financial Transparency Efforts

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Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, the former president of the Institute for Works of Religion (IOR), wants an opportunity to give his side of the story regarding financial transparency of the colloquially-known “Vatican bank”.

Professor Gotti Tedeschi was given a vote of no confidence in May 2012 and was relieved of his duties as president of the IOR.

“I would ask him to listen to what I have to say, even in confession, if that be the case. I want to be sure that he also knows my truth,” he said in an interview with Italian newspaper, Il Messaggero. The events leading up to and causing his ouster, he says, were done in an “unjust and brutal” way.

“2013 was a year of great events. I am referring to the resignation of Benedict and the election of Francis, in short, I’m speaking of large-scale events that have imposed profound reflection. It is difficult not to think, for example, of the big question of financial transparency,” he said.

While acknowledging that there are still things that have yet to be discussed regarding financial transparency, Prof. Gotti Tedeschi expressed his confidence that Pope Francis is doing all he can to understand the situation.

“I am sure the Pope is doing everything possible to better understand the sequence of the those events.”

He went on to say that his abrupt dismissal as president of the IOR struck him like “an earthquake”, not only from a professional point of view, but also a human one. However, he added, “in good conscience, I can claim that I have worked in an upright and transparent [manner], for the good of the Church, for its future, in the total spirit of service [and] with all the love possible for Benedict XVI, who I consider a gift from God.”

The financier concluded by expressing his confidence that Pope Francis is carrying forward the reform of the IOR in the right direction. (J.A.E.)

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