Archbishop Paglia Investigation Does Not Impact Pope's Visit

By Ana Gamboa
Al Dia
May 29, 2015

http://aldianews.com/articles/culture/religion/archbishop-paglia-investigation-does-not-impact-popes-visit/39134

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia (c), president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family and the one in charge of organizing Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia in September, helped unveil a special milkshake at the Center City location of Potbelly Sandwich Shop chain back in March. Samantha Madera/ALDIA News

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, this week was listed among those placed “under investigation” by an Italian prosecutor in connection with the sale of a castle at Narni, in central Italy, America Magazine reported.

According to the investigation, the archbishop is part of a list of individuals suspected of having fraudulently maneuvered the sale of the 19th-century San Girolamo castle, located on the lush Umbrian hills near the town of Narni.

Last time we reported on Archbishop Paglia was on a much lighter note, when he visited Philadelphia back in March. As the Catholic archbishop in charge of organizing Pope Francis' September visit to the city, he helped unveil a special milkshake at the Center City location of Potbelly Sandwich Shop chain.

On Wednesday, America Magazine reported that the Vatican archbishop told the Italian news agency ANSA he had not received any notification from the state prosecutor about being under investigation. “Obviously, I remain at the disposition of the investigating authorities and trust totally in the earthly justice,” he stated.

The Archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles J. Chaput, told AL DIA he was saddened to learn of the recent news regarding Archbishop Paglia. “I will pray for him. At the same time, I assure everyone that matters facing him do not impact our plans for September. We continue to work without interruption and joyfully anticipate welcoming our Holy Father and the world to Philadelphia later this year.”

The WMOF organizer echoed Archbishop Chaput’s reassurance: “Although the news received regarding Archbishop Paglia is troubling, it does not affect the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 (WMOF). Our partnership is with the Pontifical Council for the Family and not any individual from that office.”

“Planning for the event is progressing positively and without interruption. It is important to note that the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, separate from both the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Pontifical Council for the Family,” the organization added.

WMOF added that the fundraising for September’s events is done through the World Meeting of Families — Philadelphia 2015 with funds held in separate and distinct accounts from the Archdiocese and the Pontifical Council for the Family. “We have been — and remain — committed to ensuring that financial best practices are employed at all levels of the organization,” the organization concluded.