Vatican defends papal firings as necessary, not criticism of Caritas work.

A top Vatican cardinal has defended Pope Francis' decision to fire the elected leadership of Caritas Internationalis, saying it was necessary for the wellbeing of staff and not a condemnation of its work. The move shocked Caritas, which is one of the most visible aid groups around the world. The firings were due to "real deficiencies" in management that had affected staff morale at the Caritas secretariat in Rome. There was no evidence of financial wrongdoing or sexual misconduct, but former employees described a toxic workplace environment under the fired secretary-general.