(ZENIT News / Rome, 22.07.2024).- The “Association of Vatican Lay Workers,” which comes closest to a labour union in the world’s smallest country, issued a press release last July 8, a day before the Annual Social Week of the Italian Catholic Church. The event reflected further on the relationship between democracy and dialogue, pointing out that neither is much observed inside the Vatican. The Association expressed its concerns, stating that “they have not been received and [have[ also been ignored,” adding that “for real dialogue at least two sides are needed that are willing to talk.”
The press release stressed that the Association’s efforts “are not seen positively by certain superiors. “ A recent example is the lawsuit filed recently by 49 employees of the Vatican Museums, given the conditions of work that they consider unjust and deficient.
Acknowledging that improvements are not easy to achieve, the press release insisted: “We don’t give up when we request that the regulations, reviewed periodically, should govern labour relations in the Vatican.” Moreover, they ask for “greater protection for families that have a disabled person in their home” and “that salaries and pensions be protected, [which are] eroded by the cost of life.”
The Association also advocates for a “meritocracy, based on curriculums and knowledge. We continue doing our work, fearless, to mediate and create a bridge between the employees and the superiors, ensuring that they always be heard and valued.”
Years ago, a group of Catholics with experience in business suggested to the Vatican that it improve the system of professional development for its labour force, which includes approximately some 5,000 people. After analysing the situation, they found that many employees worked in an unmotivated environment, where initiative is discouraged, collaboration isn’t fostered and performance isn’t recognized. The majority fulfilled their tasks without enthusiasm, as an additional effort was lacking in recompense.
A survey revealed that 75% of those interviewed had been working in the Vatican for at least ten years. Two-thirds said they liked their work, but the work environment had worsened due to the lack of adequate compensation for effort, which generated “stress, injustice and dissatisfaction.”
The employees reported few opportunities for growth and professional formation, observing favouritism and disparities in treatment, with “harassment, abuses of power and a repressive environment,” in addition to the absence of internal mechanisms to denounce abuses without facing possible reprisals.
Five years ago, the businessmen initiated a free program of professional development for the Vatican’s Departments. The training sessions showed the workers that someone was doing something good for them, but some criticized the project and the system didn’t change.
Evidently, the Vatican must review its policies on human resources management. Catholic Social Doctrine and the principles of dialogue and synodality sketched out by Pope Francis could inspire practical solutions.
An old joke about Saint Peter’s statue outside the Basilica, states that the Saint, with a parchment in one hand and a finger pointing to the ground, while holding the keys in the other hand and pointing to the outside, is saying: “Here is where laws are made, outside is where they are applied.”
