The 2023 financial trial in the Vatican has reignited discussions on corruption within the church and raised profound concerns about internal espionage and surveillance practices. Testimony has uncovered a clandestine world where senior Vatican officials allegedly engage in covert operations using private contractors, disregarding Vatican City’s legal boundaries. Despite admissions of illegal activities such as secret recordings and unauthorized surveillance, no criminal charges have been brought against these officials. This trial not only casts a spotlight on issues of governance and transparency within the Vatican but also prompts renewed scrutiny of its historical involvement in intelligence operations, dating back to the World Wars. It brings up broader questions about the city-states organizational structure. Especially, its intelligence-gathering capabilities, and its role in global geopolitics particularly in regions like China where the church operates covertly.  

Key Judgment 1. It is highly likely that the Vatican uses multiple resources for espionage and intelligence collection as needed.

Key Judgment 2. It is likely that the Vatican employs its geopolitical influence to penetrate regions in collaboration with other nations.

Key Judgment 3. It is likely that financial scandals and other allegations against the church unveil secrecy as part of Vatican operations.