The money laundering had been going on in the Vatican for decades [and it went right under the popes' noses].  It was so entrenched in the fabric of the Vatican from many countries---France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and most of all from Italy.  

THAT'S one of the reasons Benedict resigned from the papacy.  There was fraud and false billing draining off funds from the papal administration.  Pope Benedict, before he resigned, appointed a new president of the IOR, Ernst von Freyberg[ installed 2/15/13].  Freyberg, however, who built frigates for the German navy, was not seen as an example of a shining qualification to work for the Holy See.

Pope Francis is fighting against daunting opposition.  In Italy [especially in Rome], the culture of money making has intertwined with that of the church to form a dense undergrowth ever since the Vatican was recognized as a sovereign city-state in February 11, 1929.  To tear it out by the roots is a challenge beyond the strength of Francis alone.