Pope names members to Rome vicariate supervisory body

By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As part of his recent overhaul of the Vicariate of Rome, Pope Francis has appointed six members to a new independent supervisory commission that will monitor the work and administrative and economic affairs of the vicariate.

The Vatican published Feb. 15 the names of the new members and the guidelines of the commission, which will have supervisory authority over the Vicariate of Rome and all offices, agencies, entities and boards that depend on the vicariate or come under its responsibility.

The six members are appointed directly by the pope for a three-year term, which may be renewed only once. They include: Myriam Tinti, an Italian lawyer registered with the Vatican court and a professor of canon law at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University; Stefano Di Pinto, an Italian lawyer and professor of criminal law, specializing in forensic science, city safety and anti-mafia efforts; and Stefano Fiorini, an Italian accountant and auditor. The other members are Daniele Fiore Di Vito, Luca Monteferrante, and Vito Pace, a notary.

The commission's work includes: verifying the proper running and administration of all offices and courts; examining budgets, final balances and reports on assets and finances; checking on compliance with employment regulations; overseeing the proper management of real estate property; and inspecting whether lease and rental contracts and agreements are handled correctly and transparently.

The independent supervisory commission and an office dedicated to safeguarding minors and vulnerable people were both established with the apostolic constitution, "In Ecclesiarum Communione" ("In the Communion of Churches"), released Jan. 6.

In the document, the pope said he would like greater vigilance over financial management "so that it may be prudent and responsible" and "conducted consistently with the purpose that justifies the church's possession of goods."