Fr. Federico Lombardi
Vatican spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi has denounced the fact that too many articles are not based on fact, reiterating that respect for others comes above everything else
vatican insider staff
rome
“Naturally, everyone is seeking an explanation to what is going on. The response to this question is that given by the Pope today. Information is important but it must be communicated in an accurate and balanced way,” the Vatican spokesman said.

“I - Fr. Lombardi stressed – only speak when an answer has been given and I never mention any names, Gabriele being an exception because he was found to be in possession of material he was not supposed to have and this is an objective fact.” In these past few days, the spokesman said in an ironic tone, “some people are losing their marbles, in that they are writing things that do not seem to lack any factual basis, regarding the individuals questioned for example.” In relation to this, Fr. Lombardi stressed the importance of respect for others. “It does not mean that just because someone is questioned that person was definitely involved. Names should not be divulged before their involvement is proven.” “I have said nothing and honestly know nothing” about potential schemes and the masterminds behind them,” he said. “I have been hearing about them for months, like everyone else.”

Lombardi reminded journalists that today’s “situation is new” for the Press Office and invited them to have trust. “Over the past years - he emphasised - we have seen decisions being taken which were communicated according to established procedures, an example being the sex abuse scandal. I do not have the slightest idea as to whether decisions of this kind will need to be taken. We are trying to manage the situation by communicating information that has been confirmed. We will tell you everything when we are certain that all the information is correct, for the sake also of showing respect to others.”

Lombardi confirmed that Paolo Gabriele and Fr. Georg Gaenswein could have spoken with each other, in order to clear up some facts: “If there were suspicions, it seems perfectly normal to me that Fr. Georg would have spoken to him in order to ask for a clarification and an explanation. It seems obvious to me. It would have been strange for him not to have done so.”

“Today – Lombardi concluded – as journalists, you have been given information from the most authoritative sources, the substitute of the Secretariat of State and the Pope, both of whom have spoken loud and clear. Yesterday, the Secretary of State, Angelo Becciu, issued a tough statement about certain conjectures that were made, denying that the condemned acts were motivated by a positive desire for purification.”
http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/homepage/the-vatican/detail/articolo/vatileaks-15554/