Pope Francis did not cross that much of a distance going from the European institutions to Turkey. The two Papal trips are linked in many ways, and not only because of some of the common themes they addressed. They are linked because of a central challenge: defending human nature. To face this challenge, ecumenical [...]
The Holy See path to adapt its legal system to international anti-money laundering standards has been quick, coherent and convincing, according to the «progress report» issued by the Council of Europe’s committee MONEYVAL on December 12.
«It is clear from this review – the report states in par. 128 – that much work [...]
With two changes to the anti-money laundering law, the Holy See has made its financial system even more open and transparent. The changes – approved by the Pontifical Commission of Vatican City State on December 14 and in effect since December 17 – allow the Vatican Authority for Financial Information to reach Memorandums [...]
René Bruelhart is the new director of the Authority for Financial Information (AIF). It is a significant appointment –it shows that the Holy See is moving towards full adherence to international transparency standards. MONEYVAL’s Plenary Assembly – the body of the Council of Europe that evaluates if its member states are meeting [...]
In order to understand the path the Holy See began and is staying on to achieve full -international financial transparency, one should look beyond the seven negative ratings (out of 16 core and key recommendations to combat money laundering) and beyond the 23 negative ratings on the general recommendations (out of 45, [...]
Strasbourg locuta, causa finita? (Strasbourg has spoken, the case is closed?). This expression is taken from Saint Augustine’s «Roma locuta, causa finita». In Saint Augustine’s times, two councils of African bishops had requested Rome (the Apostolic See) to concur with their conclusion on a particular matter, and Rome had replied in two reports (rescripts [...]
Will Ettore Gotti Tedeschi have to stand trial before a Vatican court? The possibility is rather remote. If he will, it would be because of the documents the former president of the IOR. Board of Superintendence took from his office in Torrione Niccolò IV. Gotti Tedeschi probably is not in possession of [...]
January, the 25th, a new law n. 127 had been posted to a wall of a Vatican lodge. The new law immediately came into effect, since the posting is the form of the urgent decree. So, the Vatican has a new anti money-laundering law. Just a few are really aware of this, since Holy [...]
The Executive Board of UNESCO, the UN organization concerned with education, science and culture, recommended granting full recognition to the Palestine state. Out of of 58 member countries on the Committee, 40 voted in favor of the recommendation, which was proposed by the Arab group. Four countries: the United States, Germany, Romania and [...]