In an effort to tackle its growing financial challenges, the Vatican has launched a new task force aimed at increasing donations from the faithful.
This move follows significant financial strain caused by legal settlements and payouts related to the church’s ongoing sexual abuse scandals.
The task force, officially named Commissio de donationibus pro Sancta Sede, was signed into action by Pope Francis on February 11, just days before he was hospitalized for bronchitis.
The commission, led by a priest, an archbishop, two nuns, and a lawyer, is tasked with organizing special campaigns to encourage donations from church members, bishops’ conferences, and potential benefactors.
Its goal is to raise funds for various church projects while managing the financial aftermath of abuse-related payouts.
According to the Vatican, the new task force will focus on promoting donations, particularly for specific initiatives.
The Church’s financial woes have been exacerbated by a €45.8 million deficit recorded in 2022, partly due to declining donations and the heavy costs tied to sexual abuse settlements.
Over the past two decades, Catholic dioceses and religious communities have spent more than $5 billion addressing allegations of sexual abuse.
In addition to abuse payouts, the Church has been embroiled in a costly fraud trial involving a London property deal.
The Vatican sold the west London property at a significant loss of £115 million in 2022, further contributing to its financial struggles.
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This scandal, among others, has prompted the Vatican to rethink its financial strategy and rely on a more organized fundraising approach.
The newly established commission will coordinate fundraising efforts, prioritize financial projects, and develop a broader strategy for increasing awareness and attracting donations.
Monsignor Roberto Campisi, the Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, will be overseeing this initiative.
The Church’s struggle to raise sufficient funds comes at a time when it has faced major payouts in abuse cases.
Last year, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to victims of sexual abuse, adding to the $740 million it had previously paid out.
Similarly, the Spanish government approved a compensation plan for victims of clergy abuse in Spain, where a report revealed that as many as 440,000 adults may have been affected by abuse within the Church.
The task force’s success in navigating these financial challenges will likely have significant implications for the Vatican’s future operations and its efforts to regain trust among the faithful.
