by Rod Hughes

Alajuela’s Catholic bishop, Angel San Casimiro, lauded the Spanish-language newspaper La Nacion for uncovering allegedly illegal financial maneuverings with the use of its bank accounts. (See previous newsblog) Bishop San Casimiro continues to insist that the Episcopal Conference of eight bishops was unaware of any irregularities in the use of its pastoral funds.

Wednesday, the financial watchdog agency Sugef formally presented accusations that the Episcopal Conference had illegally acted as a stock broker without authorization of any regulatory agency. If proven, this violation of the Central Bank Codes carries a penalty of 3-6 years in prison.

San Casimiro thanked the daily paper on his weekly homily aired by the radio station Radio Monumental. In his radio talk, the bishop said the members of the Conference were not privy to the way the pastoral accounts were administered and are awaiting a decision of the courts on whether it will proceed with prosecution based on the Sugef report. Apparently, the watchdog agency warned the Conference in 2004 that its funds were being ullegally collected and administered as if it were an investment house but the violation allegedly continued.