Cardinal Baldassare Reina denies any role in a Sicilian corruption inquiry, stating he is not a suspect and had no knowledge of alleged actions.
Newsroom (23/06/2026 Gaudium Press) Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of Rome and one of Italy’s most senior Catholic figures, has formally rejected any suggestion of involvement in an ongoing corruption and favouritism investigation centred in Sicily.
The clarification, issued on 8 June through his lawyer Pier Luigi Cappello, follows media reports linking the Cardinal indirectly to a probe into Cefpas, a regional public body responsible for training healthcare personnel. Prosecutors are currently examining alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts and appointments within the agency.
Formal Denial Through Legal Statement
In a strongly worded statement, Cardinal Reina distanced himself entirely from the investigation, emphasising that he is neither a suspect nor connected to the alleged activities.
“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,” the statement said. It further stressed that he was “absolutely unaware of his brother’s actions and the intentions of his interlocutors.”
The statement also addressed references to the Cardinal in investigative documents, stating these were limited to the assumptions or intentions of third parties. Such references, it added, “are not supported by any agreement or pact with him” and do not imply “any responsibility, not even moral.”
Investigation Focuses on Cefpas Contracts
The broader inquiry centres on Cefpas, an agency run by the Sicilian regional government. Prosecutors allege that a network of officials and associates used the institution to distribute contracts and public roles for political and personal advantage.
Among the 12 individuals under investigation is Domenico Reina, the Cardinal’s brother. According to court documents cited by Italian media, he was awarded a direct contract worth €128,000 to develop a digital library at Cefpas. Investigators claim the contract formed part of a wider system of patronage and favouritism.
Prosecutors have questioned his suitability for the role, with documents describing the project as having been assigned to “a subject without previous experience” in multimedia documentation networks.
Allegations of Political Motivation
Investigators believe that some individuals involved in the scheme sought to leverage the Cardinal’s influence to garner support among Catholic voters. In particular, they allege attempts to benefit Margherita La Rocca Ruvolo, a Forza Italia regional deputy who is not under investigation.
According to the prosecution, Forza Italia deputy Riccardo Gallo Afflitto—himself among those facing requests for precautionary measures—played a facilitating role in the arrangement. Authorities argue that the alleged activities were part of a broader network aimed at exchanging public contracts for political support.
Legal Action and Administrative Changes
The prosecution has requested precautionary measures against eight of the 12 suspects. These include pre-trial detention requests for Gallo Afflitto, former Cefpas director Roberto Sanfilippo, and Gioacchino Pontillo, while five others face potential house arrest.
In parallel, the Sicilian regional government has moved to overhaul the agency’s leadership. Sanfilippo’s mandate was not renewed upon its expiration earlier this year, and Gianluigi Amico has since been appointed as extraordinary commissioner.
Profile of Cardinal Reina
Cardinal Reina, 55, originates from the Archdiocese of Agrigento in Sicily. He was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome by Pope Francis in October 2024 and elevated to the College of Cardinals two months later. He also serves as Archpriest of the Basilica of St John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome.
Despite his brother’s inclusion in the investigation, prosecutors have confirmed that the Cardinal himself is not a suspect. They also state he had no knowledge of any alleged attempts to exploit his name or influence in connection with the contract award.
Continued Scrutiny
As the investigation progresses, attention remains focused on the alleged misuse of public institutions in Sicily and the broader implications for governance and accountability. For Cardinal Reina, however, the legal clarification marks a decisive effort to safeguard his reputation and reaffirm his distance from the scandal.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from advaticanum.com
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