Scottish Catholic Observer

Mgr Scarano has been arrested in connection with an inquiry into over allegations of corruption and fraud at the Vatican bank.

Mgr Scarano (above) worked for years as a senior accountant for a Vatican department known as Apsa (the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See.) He was suspended from that position ‘about a month ago, after his superiors learnt about an investigation into his activities,’ Fr Federico Lombardi, the Vatican press officer, said.

“This is in accordance with the Regulations of the Roman Curia, which requires the precautionary suspension for persons against whom criminal proceedings have begun,” Fr Lombardi confirmed.

“The Holy See has not yet received any request from the competent Italian authorities on the matter, but has confirmed its willingness to cooperate fully.

“The competent Vatican authorities, the AIF, are following the problem to take, if necessary, measures appropriate to its competence.”

The Italian priest was arrested along with two other men suspected of plotting to move 20million euros illegally from Switzerland to Italy. One, Giovanni Maria Zito, is described as an Italian secret service agent, and the other, Giovanni Carenzio, a financial broker.

Mgr Scarano has been under investigation by Italian police for a series of suspicious transactions involving the recycling through the Vatican bank of a series of cheques described as church donations.

Pope Francis ordered an unprecedented internal investigation into the bank’s affairs in the wake of recent scandals.