Pope Francis takes first major step for Vatican finance reformFebruary 24, 2014 - 17:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis has taken the first major step toward reforming the Vatican's outdated and inefficient bureaucracy, creating an economics secretariat responsible for all economic, administrative, personnel and procurement functions, according to the Associated Press. Australian Cardinal George Pell was named prefect of the new ministry Monday. He reports to a new 15-member economy council of eight cardinals reflecting various parts of the world and seven lay experts. The secretariat will cover the finances of the Holy See — the central governing structure of the Catholic Church — and the Vatican City State, the 44-hectare city state in central Rome which includes the profit-making Vatican Museums and Vatican's post office. Francis made the decision after appointing a commission last summer to recommend ways to improve efficiency and transparency in the Holy See's management. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |