I was thinking more the ones in the 15th-17th centuries who were having illegitimate children and bankrupting the church. Back when church positions were still for sale for wealthy patrons.
I was thinking more the ones in the 15th-17th centuries who were having illegitimate children and bankrupting the church. Back when church positions were still for sale for wealthy patrons.
Well, if the Vatican was ever in danger of bankruptcy, all them "church positions" and 'indulgences' for sale seems to have solved their cash flow problems bigtime!
Well, if the Vatican was ever in danger of bankruptcy, all them "church positions" and 'indulgences' for sale seems to have solved their cash flow problems bigtime!
The Time source was outdated. Current estimates are:
https://www.wakingtimes.com/2017/08/03/much-wealth-vatican/
https://money.cnn.com/2015/09/24/news/pope-francis-visit-vatican-catholic-church/index.html
https://www.nasdaq.com/article/how-much-money-does-the-vatican-have-cm500605
.....and even these are a few years old. True, the catholics are not in the S&M business anymore (like in them good old Inquisition days), but it would not surprise me to learn the Vatican has stockpiled stakes and kindling, and keeping their old sex toys (iron maiden, rack, thumbscrews, etc.) oiled and well maintained.....just in case theocracy ever comes back in vogue!