ROME — Pope Francis has consistently encouraged couples to embrace marriage and welcome children rather than focus solely on pets. He has also been a vocal supporter of workers’ rights, emphasizing that labor itself is integral to human dignity. This has led to an unexpected situation where a newlywed couple, each with three young children, was terminated from their jobs at the Vatican Bank after new regulations were introduced that prohibit workplace marriages. This turn of events has surprised many within the Vatican, given the disparities between the Pope’s teachings and the practices within his institution.
Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani have reacted to this situation by filing a wrongful termination lawsuit with the Vatican tribunal, asserting their rights and challenging the new regulations. Upon hearing their case, presiding Judge Venerando Marano suggested both parties consider a settlement. While the couple is open to this possibility, the bank has declined any negotiation, according to their attorney Laura Sgro. A further court hearing has been set for March 14.
In the lead-up to the hearing, the couple expressed that they were resolute about their wedding plans on August 31, 2024, regardless of the new regulation. They also rejected the bank’s proposal that one should resign to abide by the ban, citing financial responsibilities related to their children, previous marriages, and mortgage commitments. Fabiani articulated his surprise that the Pope, who places a significant emphasis on family values, has not intervened in their case. Meanwhile, Carlucci voiced her frustration, highlighting a stark difference between the Vatican’s stated values and the reality faced by employees.
The case of the 41-year-old couple—who have a combined 25 years of service at the Institute for Religious Works (known as the Vatican Bank)—has drawn considerable attention in a place where employment is a symbol of status, especially in predominantly Catholic Italy. Working for the Vatican often comes with numerous benefits such as tax-exempt salaries, access to duty-free shopping, and potentially subsidized housing. However, in recent years, the financial strains on the institution have led to hiring freezes and cuts in employee benefits, resulting in swelling discontent among staff. The situation involving Carlucci and Fabiani may underscore a growing discord within the otherwise privileged Vatican employment atmosphere.
The Association of Lay Vatican Employees, which functions similarly to a labor union, has rallied behind the couple, proclaiming that the new employment regulation infringes upon basic human rights and is in conflict with both the Vatican’s internal laws and canon law. Their solidarity appeal states: “While we trust in divine provision for them and their children, we cannot ignore the injustice and lack of compassion this measure displays.” They stress that while strict regulations are necessary for management, institutions must also consider the personal circumstances and professionalism of their employees.
The Vatican Bank, or IOR, serves a unique purpose within the Holy See. Established in 1942, its primary role is to assist in executing the church’s charitable missions and to facilitate monetary transactions for Vatican embassies and religious entities, especially in regions lacking secure banking options. After enduring a lengthy period of scandals, the bank has spent many years enhancing its image and tightening its operations, now serving approximately 12,300 clients from among its limited employee list.
The employment regulation that sparked the couple’s termination became officially effective on May 2, and it stipulates that any marriage between two employees of the IOR, or between one IOR worker and another person employed within Vatican City, will lead to dismissal. The couple was said to have informed management of their marriage plans just three months prior to the enforcement of this ban. Before learning of the new rule, they had received warm congratulations from their superiors regarding their upcoming union and had publicly shared their engagement plans.
Despite their recently altered circumstances, the bank has defended its stance as essential for maintaining transparency and preventing potential conflicts of interest, arguing that the policy was designed to guide operations in an organization with a small staff base. It’s worth noting that many employees within the Vatican, including those not working in the same departments, are married.
Although the Vatican Bank expressed sorrow over the couple’s situation, it reached the painful decision to terminate their employment a month after the couple’s wedding. The bank has not clarified why it did not opt to keep one half of the couple employed and has stated that transfers to other departments were not feasible under the new rule.
Pope Francis appears to be aware of the prevailing low morale among employees in the Holy See. He has initiated measures including the establishment of the Vatican’s first daycare center and introduced a monthly ‘baby bonus’ for employees with three or more children. During his recent Christmas greetings to staff, where attendance was notably lower than in previous years, he encouraged open communication to address work-related challenges.
Carlucci has expressed a desire to resume her role at the bank, but she insists that her new family, forged through her marriage, holds greater significance in her life. “Family forms the core of our existence; therefore, regardless of the outcome, we feel victorious,” she remarked, reflecting on the couple’s broader struggles amidst their legal challenges.
