VATICAN CITY, FEB. 17, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See’s finances are supported by donations from the faithful, such that the Vatican too feels the worldwide economic crisis.
The Council of Cardinals for the Study of the Organizational and Economic Problems of the Holy See met Tuesday and Wednesday in the Vatican under the presidency of Benedict XVI’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, the Governorate of Vatican City State, the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See and Vatican Radio.
The group heard reports regarding the consolidated budget of the Holy See and of the Governorate of Vatican City State.
A communique Thursday stated that the cardinals expressed satisfaction “at the forecast results but not failing to make known their concern at the prevailing general crises, which has not spared even the general economic system of the Vatican. This is evident above all as regards the Holy See, which receives indispensable subsidization from the free offerings of the faithful.”
The council noted “profound gratitude for the support the faithful give, often anonymously, to the universal ministry of the Holy Father, and exhorted them to continue this good work.”
The communiqué also stated that “it was recognized that there is an ongoing commitment to improve the administration of the goods and resources of the Holy See.”
