Vatican

Vatican Facing Money Laundering Claims

AUG 11 2025·Updated AUG 12 2025

Story

Above: People attend the Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square in The Vatican on Aug. 10, 2025. Image credit: Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty Images

The Facts

Former Vatican auditor Libero Milone alleges the Vatican used a tool to alter names and account numbers on international bank transfers after they were sent, potentially enabling money laundering through the SWIFT system.
Newsmax
Politico
This comes after The Pillar last month reported that it saw a memo in which Cardinal George Pell instructed Milone in April 2016 to investigate evidence that APSA, the Vatican's asset manager, could alter financial records to shield the true identity of fund sources in SWIFT transactions.
Pillarcatholic
Milone claims he reported findings to Pope Francis and Secretary of State Pietro Parolin but received no response from two key oversight bodies. He also said that he possesses documents proving systematic corruption.
Pillarcatholic
Newsmax
Regtechtimes
The Vatican has denied the allegations as "completely unfounded," with officials stating it's technically impossible to alter payment messages once sent through the SWIFT system.
Regtechtimes
Newsmax
APSA stopped serving private clients in 2015 to avoid oversight from European anti-money laundering agency Moneyval, but sources claim the tool could have been used to hide transfers involving private clients.
Pillarcatholic
Regtechtimes
This comes after Moneyval in May 2024 reported that the Vatican had made progress in combating money laundering and addressed technical compliance deficiencies identified in a 2021 report.
Pillarcatholic
Reuters

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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CRIT

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The Spin

Narrative A

The evidence presented by credible former officials Milone and Pell suggests systematic financial misconduct that warrants serious investigation. The timing of these revelations, coming after APSA was exempted from international oversight, raises questions about ongoing transparency efforts.

Pillarcatholic

Narrative B

After decades of scandals — financial and otherwise — Pope Leo XIV is working to restore the Vatican's reputation as a pillar of virtue. He's just a few months into his term, so it's going to take time for him to address wrongdoings if there are any.

Regtechtimes

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited coverage. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our reporting as additional information becomes available.