VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican have confirmed that they are launching an investigation into the alleged use of funds from the children’s hospital Bambino Gesù to finance the reconstruction of a luxurious flat for the former Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.  The two under investigation are Giuseppe Profiti and Massimo Spina, the two former managers of the children’s hospital, confirms the vice director of the Vatican press office Greg Burke.  “The cardinal is not being investigated,” confirms the spokesperson.

 According to lawyer Michele Gentiloni Silveri, Bertone “reiterates that he never gave indication, or authorisation, to the Bambino Gesù Foundation for any payment in relation to the apartment he was occupying and which belonged to the governor.”  In reference to the article that will be published in the next edition of L’Espresso, he underlines how Bertone’s letter to Profiti in November 2013 proves that he was not involved.  “In effect,” reveals the lawyer, “he clarifies to professor Giuseppe Profiti that he does not want the Bambino Gesù Foundation to bear any costs, announcing at the same time that it will be Cardinal Bertone himself who will proceed to seek funding for the work that will take place in the apartment.”

 The current president of the foundation, Mariella Enoc, was also interviewed and told press, “We are following this investigation very closely with the Holy See.  We are handing over any information of use from the time to the promoters of justice in the Vatican and look forward to the results.  As you no doubt know, at the request of the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Bambino Gesù Foundation had a complete turnover for directive advisors and in management last November.  The foundation works to collect funds for the Hospital, with particular emphasis on research as well as philanthropic and humanitarian activities.”

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