Vatican tries to shed tax haven image

The Vatican has issued a new rule requiring anyone bringing EUR10,000 ($14,000) or more into Vatican City to declare it.

The rule went into effect Friday, the same day the Holy See's broader anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regulations went into effect.

The Vatican announced the measures Dec. 30 in a major effort to comply with international finance norms and shed its image as a tax haven with a reputation for secrecy and scandal.

The Vatican's own bank remains implicated in a money-laundering investigation that resulted in 23 million euros ($31 million) being seized and its top two officials placed under investigation last year.

The Vatican has denied wrongdoing and says the investigation resulted from a misunderstanding.