Statement of Cardinal George Pell
April 28, 2016
Unfortunately some outlets continue to misreport the facts in relation to the appointment of PwC [PricewaterhouseCoopers] as external auditor of the Holy See. Some of these errors include the suggestion that the engagement was not signed by the appropriate Vatican entity and that the C9 should have been involved.
These are the following corrections by way of background.
1. The PwC contract is with the Council for the Economy which, as is clear in its Statutes, is the competent body for the appointment of external auditors.
2. The Council is the competent body - not the Secretariat of State, and certainly not the C9, which is an advisory body for the Holy Father and operates without any formal role in the governance of the Holy See.
3. The PwC contract was signed by the Chair of the Councils Audit Committee and co signed by the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, following a unanimous resolution of the Council to appoint PwC and a direction to proceed.
Pope Francis visited Cardinal Pell and the office of Secretariat for the Economy and all staff this morning (Thursday).
He spent an hour with all there taking part in a friendly and lively discussion. The Holy Father said he fully supported their work and re-emphasised the ongoing need for transparency in continuing with their reforms. He also repeated the need for outside or external professional inclusion and assistance.
Cardinal Pell will also be continuing with his current role for the full five year term.
Finally, it is also interesting to note so called "concerns" about the PwC audit and contract were only raised when auditors began asking for certain financial information and we're finding it difficult to get answers.
cathnews.com/cathnews/25052-cardinal-…
Unfortunately some outlets continue to misreport the facts in relation to the appointment of PwC [PricewaterhouseCoopers] as external auditor of the Holy See. Some of these errors include the suggestion that the engagement was not signed by the appropriate Vatican entity and that the C9 should have been involved.
These are the following corrections by way of background.
1. The PwC contract is with the Council for the Economy which, as is clear in its Statutes, is the competent body for the appointment of external auditors.
2. The Council is the competent body - not the Secretariat of State, and certainly not the C9, which is an advisory body for the Holy Father and operates without any formal role in the governance of the Holy See.
3. The PwC contract was signed by the Chair of the Councils Audit Committee and co signed by the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, following a unanimous resolution of the Council to appoint PwC and a direction to proceed.
Pope Francis visited Cardinal Pell and the office of Secretariat for the Economy and all staff this morning (Thursday).
He spent an hour with all there taking part in a friendly and lively discussion. The Holy Father said he fully supported their work and re-emphasised the ongoing need for transparency in continuing with their reforms. He also repeated the need for outside or external professional inclusion and assistance.
Cardinal Pell will also be continuing with his current role for the full five year term.
Finally, it is also interesting to note so called "concerns" about the PwC audit and contract were only raised when auditors began asking for certain financial information and we're finding it difficult to get answers.
cathnews.com/cathnews/25052-cardinal-…