Vatican City - Pope Francis has decided that all real estate owned by institutions related to the Holy See, including the Domus, can no longer be used freely or under special favourable conditions.

The decision was taken following an audience with the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, Maximino Caballero Ledo, on the 13th February.

It is a decision - the Rescript reads - taken "to meet the growing commitments that the fulfilment of the service to the Universal Church and to the needy requires in an economic context such as the current one, of particular gravity", with the consequent need "for everyone to make an extraordinary sacrifice to allocate more resources to the mission of the Holy See, also by increasing revenue from the management of the real estate patrimony".

This decision was made to allocate more resources to the mission of the Holy See and to help those in need. The new provision applies to many high-ranking officials, including cardinals and heads of Dicastery.

The institutions that own the properties must apply the same prices as those who have no offices in the Holy See and Vatican City State. The Domus will also have to follow the same rates as established by their own administrative body.

This decision will not affect any contracts that were already in place before its entry into force. However, any renewal or extension of contracts must comply with the new rules, unless required by law or by contract. If any exceptions are needed, they must be authorized by the Holy Father directly.