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Sistine Chapel Choir Investigated for Alleged Misuse of Funds

An Italian newspaper said the Vatican was looking into the choir for possible “embezzlement, fraud and money laundering.”

Pope Francis has authorized an investigation into “possible financial irregularities” within the Sistine Chapel Choir, Reuters reports. The investigation was confirmed hours after Italian newspaper La Stampa published a report claiming Vatican magistrates were investigating the choir’s manager and director on “suspicion of embezzlement, fraud and money laundering.” The Vatican statement noted that the pope’s decision to investigate was made “several months ago” and that it is still ongoing. The choir preformed at this year’s “Heavenly Bodies” Met Gala, but their summer U.S. tour was “canceled without official explanation in July.” The choir was founded in 1471, and is believed to have roots that go all the way back to the year 600.