VATICAN CITY
Boston Globe
John L. Allen Jr. | GLOBE STAFF JUNE 30, 2014
As a new Council for the Economy created by Pope Francis to oversee reform in Vatican finances prepares to meet this week, the troubled Vatican bank appears set for its second shake-up in two years with the imminent departure of its president, German businessman Ernst von Freyberg.
Officials confirmed the move to the Globe on Monday, but disagreed as to whether it’s a routine part of restructuring efforts or if alleged irregularities are involved.
While struggling to avoid impressions of a crisis, Vatican officials also find themselves playing down accusations in the Italian press that a shadowy “Maltese lobby” led by economist Joseph F.X. Zahra of Malta, vice coordinator of the new council, is attempting to take control of Vatican assets, presumably for motives of financial gain.
Speaking on background, Vatican officials insist the reports are either false or exaggerated.
Officials not authorized to speak on the record said von Freyberg’s exit could be finalized as early as this week, following a meeting the Council for the Economy will hold Saturday. Eight cardinals, including Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, make up that body, along with seven lay members.
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