Vatican Engages outside Auditor as Another Financial Reform

The Vatican has engaged an outside auditor for its consolidated financial statements as part of economic reforms.

The Holy See said Saturday it has chosen PricewaterhouseCoopers, which will get to work immediately on the 2015 audit.

Turning to an outside auditor puts the Vatican, long known for its secretive banking and other financial practices, more in line with international standards.

Pope Francis has pledged to reform the Holy See's financial practices as well as root out corruption and inefficiency at the headquarters of the Roman Catholic church.