ROME (AP) – Pope Francis has made a long-standing appeal for couples to marry and have children, rather than pets, emphasizing the value of family and workers' rights. However, a recent decision by the Vatican bank has raised eyebrows, as it terminated the employment of a newlywed couple, Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani, following a new internal policy that prohibits workplace marriages.
On May 2, 2024, the Vatican bank, formally known as the Institute for Religious Works (IOR), implemented a regulation forbidding marriage between employees of the bank or any workers within the Vatican City State, leading to the couple's firing on October 1, just a month after their wedding. This decision surprised the couple, who had announced their wedding plans early in the year, having received commendations from their superiors prior to the policy change. The couple cited financial obligations including children and a mortgage, which made it impossible for them to choose between their jobs.
Their situation has sparked conversations within the Holy See, where employment has historically been viewed as a status symbol in predominantly Catholic Italy. With just around 100 staff members serving a small client base of approximately 12,300 customers, job security within the Vatican has been adversely affected by recent financial constraints, including hiring freezes and cuts in overtime pay.
The couple's plight, along with growing employee discontent, has led the Association of Lay Vatican Employees to rally behind them by condemning the regulation as an infringement of basic human rights, pointing out that it contravenes both the Vatican's fundamental laws and church canon law. Their online appeal highlights the importance of recognizing the human aspect of institutional policies, arguing that regulations should consider the people who are affected by them.
The IOR, established in 1942 to facilitate the Catholic Church's charitable activities, has been making efforts to improve its reputation after years of scandal. The bank maintains that its personnel policy aims to promote transparency and prevent conflicts of interest, claiming that the ban on workplace marriages is essential for maintaining professional integrity.
Despite this justification, the couple notes that many married employees already work within the Vatican City, albeit not necessarily in the same department. They expressed disappointment at the lack of any intervention from Pope Francis, despite his public commitment to family values. In fact, the couple even wrote to him personally, seeking assistance, but received no response.
As the couple moves forward with their wrongful termination lawsuit against the Vatican tribunal, they remain hopeful, emphasizing that their newly formed family takes precedence over their professional setbacks. Pope Francis, aware of low employee morale within the Vatican, recently approved a daycare center for employees’ children and a financial incentive for families with multiple children, illustrating a potential shift towards more supportive policies for working families.
In summary, the contrasting messages between the pope's advocacy for family life and the Vatican's employment policies have highlighted a significant issue within the institution that has drawn the attention of many, including labor representatives and Vatican employees. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for how family dynamics are managed within the Vatican's workforce and may lead to a reevaluation of policies concerning family-oriented practices.
