You keep stating that the design has not been approved and yet don't put any documentation with that statement to either prove or disprove it. Until proven it is just an OPINION.
You're kidding right...Are you suggesting the use of the word "support" implies there is NO direct line of authority between the VOF and the Vatican?
"The Vatican Observatory is a scientific research institute of the Holy See subject to the Governorate of Vatican City State."LINK
The Arizona facility is a "division" of the Vatican Observatory. The Vatican Observatory headquarters is located at the Pope's summer residence in Italy. The Vatican pays for the whole operation. Why is it so hard for you to connect the dots?
The President of the VOF is APPOINTED BY the Pope!! The VOF is nothing more than a tax exempt organization created to raise funds to support the Arizona facility. I highly doubt a tax exempt fundraising body has the authority to approve this.
I agree the Pope is not going to get involved in day-to-day operations of the VOF...but someone in Rome who is a bureaucrat in the Vatican organization very well could be involved. I would say it's better than a 50-50 chance you are dead wrong about who is involved in approving the casket designs.
If you are so concerned about this why not give the Director of the Vatican Observatory a call...in Rome...his number is (+39)-06-698-85266
Or maybe call their Coordinator for Public Relations...also in Rome...his number is (+39)-06-698-63364