The move follows a Bank of Italy decision based on concerns over financial accountability and money-laundering controls.
Cash machines have also been shut down, except for those with a Vatican Bank debit card, after the Italian central bank refused authorization for Deutsche Bank’s Italian unit to continue providing services within the Vatican’s walls.
The Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi, told reporters this week that discussions with other providers were under way, and that the interruption of credit card and debit card purchases “would be short-lived.”
