Pope fires entire management level of Caritas Internationalis Nespresso wants to launch compostable paper capsule

Pope Francis has relieved the entire management of Caritas Internationalis of their duties and appointed an extraordinary commissioner to lead the aid agency. The Holy See issued a corresponding decree on Tuesday.

With the surprising decision, Francis wanted to “improve management standards and procedures”, as the competent dicastery for holistic human development announced.

In addition to the Caritas President, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Vice Presidents, the Secretary General, the Treasurer and the members of the Executive Council were fired. Now, as Special Commissioner, Pier Francesco Pinelli will lead the umbrella organization of the 162 national Caritas associations; the Italian used to be manager of numerous energy companies. Cardinal Tagle will initially stay on as a consultant and take care of relations with the local Caritas organizations. In May 2023, the regular General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis will take place in Rome with new elections.

According to the Vatican, the previous Caritas board had “regulated financial matters well and regularly met donation targets”. However, when the organization was assessed by outside experts — including Pinelli — weaknesses in management were found that “seriously damage team spirit and employee morale,” the company said. In addition, the Dicastery wrote, “There was no evidence of financial mismanagement or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature, but at the same time identified issues and areas in need of urgent attention.” (aeg/sda/dpa)