Vatican Faces Allegations of Payroll Money Laundering Scheme

The Vatican is under scrutiny following allegations that it used a 'skeleton key' payroll service to unlawfully manipulate international bank transfers, allowing officials to alter names and account numbers post-transaction to conceal the identities of senders and recipients. These claims, originating from Libero Milone, a former Vatican auditor appointed by Pope Francis and dismissed under controversial circumstances, suggest that such a system enabled potentially unlimited money laundering and the violation of fundamental anti-fraud laws. The accusations come at a sensitive time for Pope Leo XIV, who is attempting to restore the Catholic Church's reputation amid ongoing financial scandals and a looming budget deficit. While the Vatican denies the allegations and experts argue that such manipulation is technically impossible within the SWIFT system, the credibility of the accuser and the Church’s historical financial misconduct have prompted serious consideration of the claims. Milone asserts he possesses documents proving systemic corruption and has expressed a desire to communicate directly with Pope Leo XIV about the matter. If proven true, these practices could result in the Vatican being blacklisted internationally, severely restricting its banking operations.