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24, 2014 - 17:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis has taken the first major step toward reforming the Vatican's outdated and inefficient bureaucracy, creating an economics secretariat responsible for all economic, administrative, personnel and procurement functions, according to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 | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |