The Vatican sells nearly 400 products, most of which have religious, historic or artistic themes. The museum alone recently began offering an 18-karat gold medal depicting the statue of Laocoon—the pagan priest of Apollo .. Retail price? $840.
Visitors to the Vatican gift shop—or the new boutique it opened three months ago outside the Vatican walls—can buy rings, pins, necklaces or wristwatches. They can also cart away something a tad heavier, like a plaster bust of Julius Caesar for $270.
The potential for new bounty seems endless. Riccardi receives at least one unsolicited proposal a week from some company wishing to produce something “exclusively” for the Vatican........ The church has about 20 such arrangements now, mostly with Italian companies.
Neither the Vatican nor the companies will reveal the terms of these agreements.
http://articles.latimes.com/1996-07-20/local/me-26024_1_vatican-museums
Yeah....not gonna give up that cash cow for sure. Stuff isn't cheap either! you can even get the pope the "bless" it for you!
You seem to have a problem with everything the Church does to support its charity work. Is it envy at how little you and your Church does? I don’t know.
Neither of you have answered the question as to what work your churches do for the poor, sick, imprisoned, homeless, and uneducated. My assumption is not that much, in comparison.
The Statue of Laocoon is a treasured piece of art that is from around 27BC to 62 AD. So what? How else is it going to pay for the conservation of some of the world’s finest art which was donated over the centuries and protected from invading hordes? People from all over the world view the extensive collection and want souvenirs of their visit.
Regardless, you do nothing but badmouth the Church. Why? I don’t seem to think it is for any positive purpose but to inflate your egos. It may be worth asking yourself, who founded your Church and why do you choose to worship there? Additionally, why do you spend so much time being critical of other Christians? Are you doing it out of love?
I will ask you to contemplate 2 Timothy 2:24. Really pray about it. Ask God to touch your heart.