Pope Francis takes a series of measures after a corruption scandal in the Vatican

Pope Francis decided to strip the Secretariat of State of the powers to supervise financial assets, and to transfer these tasks to the economic organs of the Vatican, in the context of a sonorous corruption scandal.

In a letter published by the Pontiff’s press office Thursday, the pope said that the Secretary of State should also withdraw from an investment fund registered in Malta and consider closing its administrative office where officials accused of corruption worked.

Last September, Pope Francis removed Cardinal Angelo Picchu, the second-highest official in the Vatican Secretariat of State, which is considered the most important administrative body in the state and oversees diplomacy and public affairs.

The cardinal was fired after the Secretary of State bought luxury properties in London for the sake of investment.

Many officials of the administrative bodies of the Supreme Pontiff were investigated in the agreement, since 5 officials were removed from their positions.