....Another myth is that the Vatican is ultra-wealthy, he said. The annual operating budget of the Vatican City State is $270 million, he said, comparing that with the annual operating budget of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., which is $1.2 billion. The Catholic Church in the United States collects $200 million a week, almost enough to fund the Vatican for a year, he said....The Holy See’s financial means are “not as endless as people imagine,” he said....
....As for the Vatican art, it is “literally priceless,” Allen said, because it can never be sold but is kept for the benefit of humankind and requires millions of dollars to maintain and restore. Though the Vatican Museum collects entry fees, that money is used to defray the mammoth maintenance and restoration costs....
....Allen said popes need the ability to laugh at themselves as a survival strategy. He told of having written a quick book on Pope Benedict XVI that made predictions about how his pontificate would unfold. He received a message from the Vatican spokesman telling him the Pope had read his book and wanted him to know that he was thankful Allen had given thought to how his pontificate would unfold so now he didn’t have to.
Please stop with the Vatican Apologists. There aren't enough words in the world to make the Vatican seem like a victim. A poor, near homeless institution with just artwork, ermine, and gold for its paltry life. "I guess we'll make it through...if the rains stop and the Tiber doesn't rise...could someone bring me another hand fan?..ever since they turned off the electricity we've been sufferin'..but we'll make it through..I guess...if the rains stop...and the..Tiber doesn't...rise"....sigh...I know..I'll take those velvet drapes outta the windows and make myself a new dress..somebody bring me a needle and thread..I've got work to do here...sigh...