Church institutions and private individuals are being warned not to respond to solicitation letters using the name of a former papal envoy to the Philippines.
The Apostolic Nunciature in Manila urged the public not to be taken in by an email alleging to be from Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, who is now the Vatican’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations.
Monsignor Julien Kabore, Chargé d’Affaires, said the Nunciature has uncovered another attempt “to swindle” the public by “fraudulently” using the name of Archbishop Caccia.
He said these unknown persons are using email address “[email protected]” to seek funds through “illegal means.”
The warning was contained in a letter sent to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on July 30.
Monsignor Kabore urged church institutions to use “maximum prudence” in dealing with online fund solicitations, particularly when using the name of Vatican officials.
“In the event they do encounter such attempts, it is best if they get in touch with this Nunciature before doing any action,” he said.
Last May, the Nunciature has also alerted the bishops against a certain Cristian Eduardo Tietze who is falsely claiming to be close to Pope Francis.
Tietze introduced himself as president of the “Peace for Life Foundation.”
