Vatican Bank Reinstates Married Couple Dismissed for Violating Rule on Spousal Employment
The Vatican bank has reinstated a married couple who were dismissed last year for violating an internal rule that prohibits spouses from working together at the institution. Their return follows a negotiated settlement reached after the pair filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in January, according to the union representing Vatican lay employees.
The financial institution, formally known as the Institute for the Works of Religion, manages assets entrusted to it by the Holy See, the Vatican City State, and Catholic organizations around the world. The case drew widespread attention in Italy, where the couple, Silvia Carlucci and Domenico Fabiani, were nicknamed the “Romeo and Juliet of the Vatican” for continuing with their marriage despite a new policy that directly affected their employment.
Carlucci and Fabiani were married on August 31, 2024. Just weeks later, on October 2, the Vatican bank dismissed them, citing a regulation introduced in September that forbids the employment of spouses or close family members within the institution. The couple said that even though they were informed of the rule before their wedding, they refused to cancel or postpone their plans. They explained that leaving their jobs was not financially feasible due to responsibilities toward their children, obligations to former spouses, and the mortgage on their home.
The Association of Lay Employees of the Vatican announced the reinstatement on Wednesday and welcomed the result as a triumph of fairness and sound judgment. In a statement, the union said, “In the end, justice prevailed, guided by reason. Silvia and Domenico will be reinstated in the Vatican after being dismissed for choosing to marry.”
The union praised all parties who contributed to the agreement and highlighted the importance of the outcome for workers across the Vatican. The organization emphasized that the resolution represents more than a personal victory for the couple. It also exposes weaknesses in the Vatican’s current labor framework and underscores the need for clearer, more humane employment policies.
The union noted that the regulation under which the couple was dismissed would almost certainly be considered unconstitutional in Italy, where protections for workers and families are well established. It expressed concern that Vatican labor procedures lack solid foundations and offer limited protections for employees who face wrongful termination or discriminatory practices.
Carlucci and Fabiani have not yet commented publicly on the settlement. However, their case has renewed discussions about the modernization of Vatican workplace policies and the need to adapt internal regulations to ensure they reflect both fairness and respect for family life.
The union expressed hope that the outcome will encourage broader reforms, ensuring that employees are supported and that future cases can be resolved with transparency and compassion.
