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Cleric helping with pope's Philly visit in hot water

AVATICAN OFFICIAL with a role in organizing Pope Francis' September visit to Philadelphia is under investigation in Italy. The Italian News Agency ANSA reported that Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia is among 10 people under investigation over the sale of a castle in his former Diocese of Terni in central Italy. No charges have been filed.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, left, the President of the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family, rings a souvenir Liberty Bell, a gift from Mayor Michael Nutter, right, during their meeting at Pontifical Council for the Family in Rome, Italy on March 25, 2014. ( DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer )
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, left, the President of the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family, rings a souvenir Liberty Bell, a gift from Mayor Michael Nutter, right, during their meeting at Pontifical Council for the Family in Rome, Italy on March 25, 2014. ( DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer )Read more
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AVATICAN OFFICIAL with a role in organizing Pope Francis' September visit to Philadelphia is under investigation in Italy.

The Italian News Agency ANSA reported that Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia is among 10 people under investigation over the sale of a castle in his former Diocese of Terni in central Italy. No charges have been filed.

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

Paglia leads the Pontifical Council for the Family. The office organizes the Vatican's World Meeting of Families, which this year will be in Philadelphia with Pope Francis.

Paglia said in a statement that he learned of the accusations from news reports. He says he is making himself available to prosecutors and trusts in "earthly justice."

Archbishop Charles Chaput said yesterday he will pray for Paglia. Chaput says organizing for the Philadelphia event won't be affected.

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