Vatican rehires couple fired from its bank for violating workplace marriage rule

Vatican Bank Reverses Course, Rehires Married Couple After Settlement

A married couple who were dismissed from the Vatican bank for violating workplace rules has been rehired following a negotiated settlement, according to an announcement Wednesday from the Vatican lay employees’ union.

Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani had filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in January after being fired four months after their wedding. The dismissal stemmed from a Vatican bank policy that prohibits workplace marriages among its employees.

“This is a victory of common sense,” the union stated in its announcement, though specific details about when the couple would resume work or which Vatican office would employ them were not disclosed.

The case highlights tensions between Vatican employment policies and family values the Catholic Church promotes. Carlucci and Fabiani, who entered their marriage with three children from previous relationships, faced a difficult choice when informed of the regulation.

According to the couple, bank officials suggested one of them resign voluntarily. However, they explained this wasn’t financially feasible given their obligations to their children, former spouses, and a newly acquired mortgage. Despite the potential consequences, they proceeded with their wedding on August 31, 2024.

The union noted that while the settlement represents progress, it falls short of a complete victory. Vatican procedures don’t provide for reimbursement of legal fees to the prevailing party in such disputes. This leaves the couple to shoulder the financial burden of their legal battle despite winning reinstatement.

“The emblematic case of Silvia and Domenico suggests that the application of labor law needs more solid foundations,” the union emphasized in its statement. The organization also pointed out the absence of social safety nets for employees during employment disputes with the Vatican.

The union further highlighted that such a workplace marriage prohibition would be deemed unconstitutional under Italian law, underscoring the discrepancy between Vatican employment regulations and Italian labor standards. The Vatican, while physically located within Rome, operates under its own sovereign legal framework.

The couple has not yet commented publicly on the settlement. However, when initially filing their lawsuit, they told The Associated Press they had hoped for intervention from Pope Francis, citing his consistent emphasis on family values throughout his pontificate.

This case reflects broader questions about modernization of employment practices within Vatican institutions. The Institute for Religious Works (IOR), commonly known as the Vatican bank, has undergone significant reforms in recent years to improve transparency and compliance with international financial standards. However, this incident suggests internal personnel policies may still reflect more traditional approaches to workplace relationships.

The Vatican bank employs approximately 100 people and manages assets worth over €5 billion ($5.4 billion). It primarily serves Catholic institutions, clergy, Vatican employees, and diplomatic missions to the Holy See.

The settlement marks an unusual public concession by Vatican authorities on an employment matter. Historically, the Vatican has maintained significant autonomy in how it manages its workforce, largely insulated from external legal challenges.

Whether this case might prompt a broader review of workplace policies across Vatican institutions remains to be seen, but it represents a notable instance where employee advocacy has led to policy reconsideration within one of the world’s oldest institutions.