Cardinal Baldassare Reina

Cardinal Baldassare Reina has moved to clear his name following reports surrounding a Sicilian corruption inquiry. A statement issued through his lawyer says the Cardinal is not a suspect and had no knowledge of the alleged efforts to use his influence The Cardinal Vicar General of Rome has moved to clear his name of any involvement in a corruption and favouritism investigation in Sicily. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of Rome, was allegedly seen by prosecutors as a figure whose family connections could be exploited to win support from Catholic voters. However, a clarification was issued on 8 June through the Cardinal’s lawyer, Pier Luigi Cappello, following media reports surrounding an investigation into Cefpas, the Sicilian regional centre responsible for the training of healthcare personnel. Prosecutors are examining alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts and appointments at the agency. In a statement released through his lawyer, Cardinal Reina rejected any suggestion that he was involved in the affair. “The Cardinal Baldassare Reina is not under investigation nor formally involved in the criminal proceeding in question; he is completely unrelated to the facts under investigation and is, according to the same accusatory hypothesis, absolutely unaware of his brother’s actions and the intentions of his interlocutors,” the statement said. It continued: “Any possible reference to the Cardinal in the investigation documents pertains exclusively to evaluations or intentions of third parties, not supported by any agreement or pact with him, and does not imply any responsibility, not even moral, on the part of the Cardinal himself.” Among the 12 people under investigation is Domenico Reina, the Cardinal’s brother, who received a direct contract worth €128,000 for the creation of a digital library at Cefpas, according to court documents cited by Italian media. Prosecutors allege the contract formed part of a wider system of patronage and favouritism operating within the agency. According to investigators, those involved hoped to gain favour with Cardinal Reina in order to attract Catholic votes for Margherita La Rocca Ruvolo, a Forza Italia regional deputy who is not herself under investigation. Prosecutors allege that the arrangement was facilitated by Forza Italia deputy Riccardo Gallo Afflitto, who is among those facing requests for precautionary measures. The investigation centres on the activities of Cefpas, a public body run by the Sicilian regional government. Prosecutors allege that a network of officials and associates used the agency to distribute contracts and positions for personal and political purposes. Court documents describe the award of the digital library project to Domenico Reina as part of the conduct under examination. Investigators claim the contract was awarded despite concerns regarding his suitability for the role. In documents cited by ANSA, prosecutors referred to the assignment of the project to “a subject without previous experience” in multimedia documentation networks. The prosecution has sought precautionary measures against eight of the 12 people under investigation. Requests include pre-trial detention for Gallo Afflitto, former Cefpas director Roberto Sanfilippo and Gioacchino Pontillo, while house arrest has been sought for five others connected to the case. The Sicilian regional government has meanwhile replaced the leadership of the agency. Sanfilippo’s mandate was not renewed after it expired earlier this year, and Gianluigi Amico has since been appointed extraordinary commissioner. Cardinal Reina, 55, is one of the most senior churchmen in Italy. A native of the Archdiocese of Agrigento in Sicily, he was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome by Pope Francis in October 2024 and was created a cardinal two months later. He also serves as Archpriest of the Basilica of St John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome. While his brother remains among those under investigation, prosecutors have stated that Cardinal Reina is not a suspect and that he had no knowledge of the alleged efforts to use his name or influence in connection with the contract award.