Pope Francis condemns document leak as a ‘deplorable act’

Pope Francis today condemned the recent leak of sensitive Vatican documents but said it would not distract him from forging ahead with reforms at the Holy See.

“The leaks are one of the biggest internal scandals to hit Francis” papacy and are reminiscent of the “Vatileaks” furore that preceded the resignation of former Pope Benedict in 2013.

Of the two members of a Vatican-appointed committee arrested for allegedly leaking the documents, one has been released in return for cooperation in the investigation.

“I want to assure you that this sad fact will not prevent me from the reforms which will proceed with my collaborators and the backing of you all”, he said after Angelus prayers, in reference to the leaks.

“I ask you to continue praying for the pope and for the Church, not to be troubled but going forward with confidence and hope”, Francis said. “They are the career-climbers, those attached to money”, the pope said during Mass in the chapel of the plain Vatican hotel where he chose to live, in an example of simplicity, instead of dwelling in the ornate Apostolic Palace. He underlined the documents were the result of a reform course that he instituted and that measures had already been taken to address the problems which had started to show results.

The commission completed its work a year ago and handed its report to the Pope, who subsequently made changes in Vatican administration, including the establishment of a new economic ministry and increased power for Vatican financial regulators.

Pope Francis in his first public comments on the latest Vatican leaks scandal.

It was the first time the pontiff has spoken since two books were published last week documenting financial mismanagement and greed within the church.