Pope Leo XIV has officially dissolved the Vatican’s high-profile fundraising body known as “The Council for the Economy fundraising commission,” effectively overturning a decision introduced under Pope Francis. The move marks one of the most significant institutional reversals since Leo’s election and signals a new direction for Vatican financial governance.
What Was the Fundraising Commission?
Under Pope Francis, the Catholic Church introduced several oversight and accountability mechanisms after years of financial controversy. One of those efforts was the establishment of a special fundraising commission meant to:
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Attract major donors
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Improve transparency
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Support Vatican operations
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Coordinate large philanthropic projects
It functioned under the Council for the Economy, a key body in Francis’ financial reforms.
Why Pope Leo Closed It
According to the Reuters report, Pope Leo XIV decided the commission was no longer necessary and that its role could be absorbed by existing departments. The formal decree dissolving the group stated that:
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Its responsibilities will be reassigned to Vatican offices already tasked with financial management.
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The Church needs a simpler, more streamlined system.
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Overlapping financial bodies had created confusion and inefficiency.
This move is consistent with Pope Leo’s emerging leadership style:
✔ more centralized
✔ administrative tightening
✔ emphasis on tradition and simplification
A Shift Away From Francis’ Approach
Pope Francis strongly prioritized financial reform. His administration implemented dozens of changes, including anti-corruption rules, new auditing standards, and strict oversight of Vatican accounts.
The fundraising commission was part of that broader push.
By closing it, Pope Leo is signalling:
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A reassessment of Francis-era reforms
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A desire for a more compact administration
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A shift from external fundraising to internal financial discipline
Some observers interpret this as a move to restore older governance structures that rely more on long-standing Vatican offices rather than newly created commissions.
What It Means for the Vatican Going Forward
The closure may have several implications:
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Less reliance on external donors and large philanthropic networks
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More centralized control of finances under the Secretariat for the Economy
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A renewed focus on traditional fundraising channels
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Possible restructuring of other Francis-era financial bodies
Financial transparency remains a major global concern for the Vatican, especially after the London property scandal and other high-profile cases. Will Pope Leo maintain, alter, or reverse more of Francis’ reforms, it all remains to be seen…..
