The Vatican has confirmed that some "irregularities" were discovered in its doctrine office after a German newspaper reported that investigators found a wad of about 20,000 euros ($22,000) in cash in a desk drawer.

Bild newspaper said the money was discovered during a search of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith office that followed a February request for information about its assets. The Vatican's new economy secretariat has been trying to gather information about the holdings of various departments.

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said Wednesday that "some irregularities" were discovered, corrective measures were taken and the congregation is now "vigorously" following the Vatican's new administrative rules.

Up until recently, cash payments were common in the Vatican for services such as translation work.