Vatican economy secretary powers reined

(ANSA) - Vatican City, March 6 - New rules governing the Vatican's economic bodies have reined in vast economic powers that Pope Francis had granted to Vatican Economy Secretary George Pell last July, Vatican sources told ANSA Friday.
    The pontiff had conferred management of the Holy See's assets - the Ordinary Section of Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) - to the Secretariat of the Economy through the papal motu proprio.
    The move placed the assets, including the Vatican's massive real estate portfolio, under the wing of the Australian cardinal. The final version of the statute is missing that provision, however, and defers jurisdiction over the patrimony to the preceding law, which grants it to APSA. The motu proprio had aroused discontent since July, with critics complaining that too much power had been given to Pell and gave rise to disputes during February's consistory.