The Holy See acknowledges with surprise and regret the statements made by Dr. Libero Milone, former auditor general. In this way he has failed to maintain the agreement to keep confidential the reasons for his resignation from the Office. It is recalled that, according to the Statutes, the task of the auditor general is to analyse the budgets and accounts of the Holy See and related administrations. Unfortunately, it emerged that the Office directed by Dr. Milone, exceeding its powers, illegally engaged an external company to conduct investigative activities on the private life of Holy See personnel.

This, aside from constituting a crime, irretrievably undermined the trust placed in Dr. Milone who, faced with his responsibilities, freely agreed to resign. Finally, it is assured that the investigations were carried out with every care and respect for the person.