Vatican City – This morning marked the conclusion of the 203rd General Chapter of the Conventual Franciscan Friars. In this context, Minister General Fr. Carlos Alberto Trovarelli was confirmed for a second term, becoming the 120th successor in leading the Order. The capitular fathers were received by Pope Leo XIV, and during the audience, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti also appeared—a figure who has become increasingly controversial within the Vatican City State. Within the Secretariat of State, his name is often mentioned among those likely to soon leave the Vatican for destinations described as “Franciscan in spirit.” While Francis had promoted his appointment as that of “a Franciscan man,” Gambetti has become known within the Leonine walls for his love of expensive things, opaque relationships, unjustified expenses, and the promotion of close associates.
From Assisi to Rome: a rise marked by controversy and favoritism
The former Custodian of the Sacred Convent fostered a personalized and opaque management at the Fabbrica di San Pietro. He brought a circle of Assisi collaborators, hired despite conflicts of interest. There is talk of regulations modified ad personam, a hollowed-out Vatican Chapter, senior canons removed, and loyalists installed. Elderly priests mistreated, denied rights after years of service to the Catholic Church.
The Vatican Basilica, once defined by liturgical rigor, now shows signs of decay: undisciplined tourists, poor hygiene, minimal security, and a general sense of abandonment. Social media is filled with complaints. The only ones unaware are the journalists whom Gambetti pays for silence—with perks like tours, access, etc. Also reported by Silere non possum: cocktail parties under the Basilica’s portico, millions wasted, dinners with elites, marketing use of the Pope. Nothing truly Franciscan or pastoral.
His dealings with Vatican institutions were marked by tension and overreach. Frequent clashes with the Secretariat of State. Emblematic: the case of Fr. Enzo Fortunato, hired despite opposition. Gambetti tried to bypass procedures, forcing a papal appointment. Ultimately, a failure—Fortunato resigned due to poor management.
A parish priest between neglect and worldliness
Gambetti is a key promoter of a hypocritical system still present in parts of the Church—where appearance trumps substance, and power is abused. His treatment of Fr. Mauro Bettero, OSA: cold and disrespectful, despite the priest’s long service as pastor of St. Peter’s.
Bettero was associated with Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the former Archpriest and long-time target of Gambetti. Under Comastri, the Basilica was a place of true prayer. Since Gambetti’s arrival: narcissism, distrust, and a divisive mindset—"with or against him." A toxic climate replaced collaboration. Can such behavior come from a spiritual son of St. Francis?
Bettero was removed to make way for Agnello Stoia, who distorted the parish identity. Disheveled attire, poor liturgical conduct, high-tech gadgets, but sloppy celebration. Expensive youth outings, self-promotion on social media.
All known to Robert Francis Prevost, now Leo XIV, who once shared meals with Gambetti. Now Gambetti rushes to forge ties with the new Pope—even attending the audience of the General Chapter without mandate. A symbolic actof his opportunism and hypocrisy.
Leo XIV is aware of: abuse of Vatican Gendarmerie, wiretapping, baseless accusations. A manipulative use of power that harmed both individuals and institutions.
The future of St. Peter’s Basilica
In a time when the Church rediscovers Jesus Christ, free from ideology and worldly facades, there is hope that St. Peter’s may return to being a house of prayer. A sacred place, home to St. Peter’s relics, where silence, reverence, and fraternity reign.
Under Gambetti, all of this has been lost. The Basilica became a power battlefield. Private Eucharistic celebrationspractically prohibited. Pastoral logic suffocated, replaced by a managerial vision.
Leo XIV, in the Sistine Chapel, set the direction: “To disappear so that Christ may remain.” A call to purification from careerism, clientelism, and spiritual worldliness. To restore the Basilica as a place of faith, not a power showcase. Many believe the Holy Father will soon appoint a new Archpriest—not someone seeking friends or control, but a true pastor: one who protects silence, liturgy, fraternity, dignity, and prayer.
St. Peter’s is not a stage, office, or business. It is where the Church breathes faith and honors its origin—the tomb of a martyr fisherman. From there, the Church must begin again: kneeling, not calculating. Serving, not dominating. Proclaiming, not bargaining.
p.E.L.
Silere non possum