VATICAN CITY – In a decisive move to address the looming financial challenges of the Vatican’s Pension Fund, Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Kevin Farrell as the Sole Administrator. The appointment, announced in a letter to the College of Cardinals on November 19, 2024, underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure the fund’s sustainability.
The Pope’s letter, released by the Holy See Press Office, conveys the gravity of the pension system’s prospective imbalance, as identified by recent analyses from independent experts. The current system, according to the Pope, fails to guarantee the fulfillment of future pension obligations, necessitating immediate action.
Cardinal Farrell’s new role as Sole Administrator is part of a broader commitment to economic reform within the Vatican. The Pope expressed his confidence in Farrell’s leadership, stressing the importance of this new phase for the stability and well-being of the community.
The management of the Pension Fund has been a longstanding concern, with the moral responsibility to provide fair and dignified pensions to employees of the Holy See and Vatican City State being a key motivator for successive Pontiffs. Addressing this issue, however, will require difficult decisions and sacrifices from all involved.
Pope Francis called for unity and collaboration among the Roman Curia and institutions connected to the Holy See, emphasizing the need for urgent structural measures to achieve sustainability. Justice and equity across generations must remain a guiding principle in this endeavor.
In his plea for prayer and support, the Pope highlighted the collective responsibility of his collaborators to facilitate this necessary path of change. The appointment of Cardinal Farrell marks a significant step towards confronting the challenges facing the Vatican’s pension system.
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