UNITED STATES
Vatican Insider
He sent two letters to the Pope denouncing corruption
Paolo Mastrolilli
New York correspondent
“He is a man who is not afraid to speak the truth and not afraid to point out areas that need reform in the church.” These were the words of praise of new cardinal Timothy Dolan for the Nuncio to the United States Carlo Maria Viganò, published in the New York Times last February. This may help understand how the crisis in the Vatican is viewed abroad and could perhaps shed light on how the former secretary general of the Governorate is feeling. According to the Americans, Viganò is a reformer who was able to foresee the storm ahead. He can therefore feel redeemed, even if not happy, for the developments of the last few weeks and does not need to say anything more, because events seem to follow his predictions.
At the beginning of last year Viganò, who was mainly in charge of the financial management of the Vatican City State wrote two letters to the Pope, denouncing instances of corruption. In October he was removed and appointed Nuncio to the U.S.. When his letters were published, the Vatican leadership issued a statement dismissing his claims.
In his new home in Massachusetts Avenue, Viganò has chosen to keep to himself. But after being somewhat shy at the beginning, he gained confidence in his new role of managing diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the United States, between the American bishops and Rome and also in his very delicate task of pointing out suitable candidates for Episcopal Sees. The trust he has been shown is the result of the good relations he has built with American bishops, who have urged him on many occasions to become the leader of a worldwide reform of the Church.
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