Disclosure: I'm not Catholic as I could never get past the wealth accumulated in their little corner of Rome. But, I do like Catholics and appreciate their tireless fight on abortion and other life issues - which I agree with them on.
The Vatican is basically a museum, and the wealth contained therein is less that that of the Museums in NYC.
That wealth, collected over 20 centuries, belongs to all catholics, much as the white house and all its treasures belong to the american people. They are hers to protect in both priceless gifts such as the sistine chapel and michaelangleos gift of its art, as well as other gifts given by artists to the church out of love of her.
I hardly hear you calling for america to sell the white house and all its precious art, china, furniture and silver to fund the bailout. Lets not be hypocritical here.
I also would like to point out that those “christian” televangelists live quite a bit more opulently than most folks, including our president or pope. Plant a seed of $1000.00 and lets see it work for you. Not trying to offend here, just sick of those arguments.
The Vatican is the world’s greatest art museum. Would you say that the Smithsonian should be liquidated? Or that its curator lives in a “grossly opulent” lifestyle? Now, if the Vatican were acquiring trendy art, that’d be another issue. But you’re suggesting liquidating an enduring treasure for a temporary benefit.
The actual Papal apartments are not very large nor very opulant. The Pope is responsible for the nourishment of the Church and Her flock, and since that includes an earthly institution it requires a degree of wealth to operate. As for the riches contained within the Vatican they are art of cultural and religious importance and are held in trust.