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The Vatican is once again embroiled in a scandal as new leaks detail the mismanagement and internal resistance hindering Pope Francis’ financial reform efforts. The book, “Merchants in the Temple,” by Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi, exposes millions of euros in potential lost rental revenue, greedy monsignors, and a professional-style break-in at the Vatican.

The Vatican has described the books as a betrayal of trust and an illicit act of handing over confidential documentation. The arrests of two members of Francis’ financial reform commission in an investigation into stolen documents further intensify the scandal.

The leaks shed light on the Vatican bureaucracy’s culture of mismanagement, waste, and secrecy. The book paints a picture of the commission’s struggle to gather information from Vatican departments that have long enjoyed autonomy in budgeting and spending.

The scandal, known as “Vatileaks,” began in 2012 and has continued to plague the Vatican. With Pope Francis elected in 2013 on a mandate to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, the leaks and arrests mark a new phase in the ongoing saga.

The second book, “Avarice,” by La Repubblica Vatican reporter Emiliano Fittipaldi, details financial malfeasance at the Vatican, including reports by independent auditors. Among the revelations is the misuse of funds donated to help the poor, raising questions about financial transparency within the Vatican.

As the scandal unfolds, the Vatican faces scrutiny and criticism for its handling of finances and internal affairs. The publication of these books adds fuel to the fire, generating confusion and raising concerns about the Vatican’s commitment to transparency and accountability.