VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis' economic czar is making a deeply symbolic assertion of control over Vatican money by moving into the enormous office of the president of the Vatican bank.
Cardinal George Pell's secretary, the Rev. Mark Withoos, confirmed the move in a statement Friday to The Associated Press. He said Pell is relocating because the office is free and Pell "wants to use the Vatican space wisely."
Pell was named in Februrary to head the Secretariat of the Economy, a new finance ministry created to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency in the Holy See's administration. It is tasked with controlling economic, administrative, personnel and procurement functions for the Holy See.
Pell's authority over the Vatican bank, however, hasn't been clear since the bank is governed by a separate commission of cardinals.
Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.