Vatican official in charge of World Meeting here investigated for possible embezzlement

The Vatican archbishop in charge of overseeing the World Meeting of Families is reportedly under investigation for possible embezzlement, according to several European news organizations.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, reported bought a 14th-century castle in Umbria at an artficially low price with the intention of reselling it for a profit a full market value.

"The alleged scam would have netted a profit" of about $4.4 million, according to the British newspaper The Independent.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which is hosting the ninth triennial World Meeting of Families here in September, issued a statement Friday saying the investigation of Paglia did not appear to affect planning for the meeting.

"I assure everyone that matters facing him do not impact our plans for September," Philadelphia's Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said in a statement.

"We continue to work without interruption and joyfully anticipate welcoming our Holy Father and the world to Philadelphia later this year."

The World Meeting of Families Philadelphia, a legal entity created here to plan the event and raise an estimated $45 million for its execution, also issued its own statement.

"Although the news received today regarding Archbishop Paglia is troubling, it does not affect the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 (WMOF)," it read.

"Our partnership is with the Pontifical Council for the Family and not any individual from that office.

"Planning for the event is progressing positively and without interruption. It is important to note that the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, separate from both the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Pontifical Council for the Family.

"All fundraising for September's events is done through the World Meeting of Families-Philadelphia 2015 with funds held in separate and distinct accounts from the Archdiocese and the Pontifical Council for the Family.

"We have been - and remain - committed to ensuring that financial best practices are employed at all levels of the organization."

Pope Francis is expected to visit Philadelphia at the close of the six-day gathering.

Paglia visited Philadelphia in March to promote the World Meeting.