A Catholic aid agency is calling on the World Bank board to demand President Paul Wolfowitz’s resignation.

The World Bank’s board, probing President Paul Wolfowitz’s decision to give his partner a pay increase and promotion, has adjourned without reaching a conclusion.

Wolfowitz had declared he would stay in post whilst the bank board undertook a review of the situation.

CAFOD head of policy George Gelber says: “Paul Wolfowitz has made corruption an essential part of his personal policy platform not only in the bank but also among all major donors.

“If he will not resign, then the bank board must ask him to leave.

“CAFOD has clear memories of Wolfowitz last year addressing a distinguished collection of Cardinals and Archbishops on the issue of corruption – and garnering their general approval for his stance, which now looks distinctly threadbare.”

He added that the case raised wider issues about the appointment of the World Bank President and the managing director of its sister agency, the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“It is the view of CAFOD that these appointments need to be brought into the 21st Century. The President of the World Bank should be an appointment based on merit and not a grace and favour appointment of the US President.

“We also believe that the position of managing director of the IMF – currently a European appointment – should follow a transparent, accountable and meritocratic recruitment process.”