Vatican сalls Podoliak's words about investments from Russia "speculation"

The Vatican. Photo: Vatican Media

The Vatican's Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR) has categorically rejected the claims made by the Advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podoliak, regarding Russian investments in the Holy See's bank, calling them "speculation", as reported by Vatican News.

"In addition to being untrue, such activities would be impossible due to the strict policies of the Institute and international sanctions, which also apply to the financial sector," the statement said. "Firstly, the Institute for the Works of Religion does not accept as clients institutions or individuals who do not have a close connection with the Holy See and the Catholic Church. Secondly, the Institute is a financial intermediary subject to supervision, and it operates through reputable, top-tier foreign banks that comply with sanctions," the statement says.

As earlier reported, Podoliak excluded Vatican involvement in mediating with Russia due to the Pope's "pro-Russian stance".

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