Belgian René Stockman, Superior General of the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity in Rome, has been removed from his administrative post by the Vatican, the Flemish daily De Standaard reported on its website on Saturday. The man is accused of financial mismanagement.
The Vatican accuses René Stockman (68) of a lack of financial transparency and long-term vision, which have notably caused financial problems for the Belgian branch of the Brothers of Charity. His management of the Congregation has also been called into question.
The problems had already been running for a while. A procedure for controlling the Congregation had been put in place in Rome and an apostolic commissioner had been appointed to take over some of the management tasks. He has now taken over all of the administrative functions held by René Stockman. The latter, however, remains Superior General of the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity. A successor will be elected next year.
The Belgian branch of the Congregation reacted with relief to this announcement. Its president, Raf De Rycke expressed to the VRT his hope to see confidence with the Vatican restored.
René Stockman is best known in Belgium for his vehement opposition to euthanasia, which has also led to a conflict with the Belgian Brothers of Charity.