Vatican defends transfer of official to Washington

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has defended its transfer of a top official to Washington after he exposed alleged corruption in the awarding of Holy See contracts. The Vatican also warned today that it could take legal action against a TV show that reported on the case. The Italian news program showed letters from Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano to Pope Benedict XVI begging not to be transferred after exposing corruption costing the Vatican millions of euros (dollars). The Vatican statement today said transferring the Italian to the prestigious post of apostolic nuncio to the U.S. is proof of the pope’s “undoubted esteem and faith.” The Holy See also said it would pursue “all opportune ways, if necessary legal ones” to protect the reputation of Vatican officials mentioned.