Pope Francis has made a personal visit to the home and family of former Commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie, Domenico Giani.
According to Vatican News, the Pontiff’s house visit to Giani’s home in Vatican City came two days after his resignation.
At the former official’s home, the Pontiff met with Giani’s wife and daughter and expressed appreciation and esteem.
The son of the 57-year-old former commander, who served the Pope for 20 years, was not present as he lives in the United States.
On October 1, the Vatican reported on the seizure of documents and electronic equipment in the offices of the first section of the Secretary of State and the Financial Information Authority of the Holy See.
A confidential circular with the names and photos of five employees «suspended as a precautionary measure» was the next day published by Italian publication’s including L’Espresso.
Francis expressed, through a statement released through the director of the Holy See Press Office, that such a leak was «highly detrimental both to the dignity of the people involved and to the image of the gendarmerie.»
«Although he has no personal responsibility in the development of events,» announced the Oct. 14 statement, Giani resigned in a spirit «of love and faithfulness to the Church and to the Successor of Peter».
The Pope accepted Commander Giani’s resignation and thanked him for his service, loyalty and commitment.
