The Holy See has withdrawn from an alliance formed to combat human trafficking.
The Global Freedom Network signed an agreement in the Vatican in March last year, aiming to form an interreligious network supported by the Walk Free Foundation, which is financed by Australian magnate Andrew Forrest.
The goal was to foster awareness among religious communities of modern slavery.
But the chancellor of the Pontifical Social Science and Science academies said the Holy See withdrew some time ago.
“We do not want to be used: a businessman has the right to make money but not by using the Pope,” said Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo.
He did not go into further detail.