Amid an economic situation still affected by uncertainty in the world
marketplace, a group of cardinals expressed their gratitude to the
faithful who continue to keep the Holy See going through their
donations.
But in a Feb. 17 statement, the cardinals said while there are “signs of
improvement,” the “uncertainty of the global economic system” remains a
cause for concern.
The Council of Cardinals for the Study of the Organisational and
Economic Problems of the Holy See met from Feb. 15-16 to discuss 2011
budgets for the Holy See and the Vatican City's administrative
authority.
Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone and Cardinals Velasio De
Paolis, Giovanni Lajolo and Attilio Nicora – who oversee the
administrative and economic functions of the Vatican – were present
together with other important members of oversight departments.
They discussed the 2011 consolidated budget which covers economic
activities of the various Vatican departments and institutions,
including its media agencies such as L'Osservatore Romano and Vatican
Radio.
They also examined Vatican City's budget, which works on a separate
budget but provides support for the Holy See and its activities.
This
includes upkeep for buildings and artistic patrimony as well as
security.
In a July 2010 meeting, the cardinals reported that 2009 saw a more
than $16 million combined deficit in the final balances, but noted that
it marked an improvement from previous figures.
In their statement, the cardinals announced that “the overall picture
emerging from these budgets, though showing clear signs of improvement,
is still marked by the uncertainty of the global economic system and by
increased administrative costs.”
They said that there is evidence of this most of all in the Holy
See's budget as it is subsidized largely by the donations of Catholics
around the world.
According to the statement, “the members of the council expressed
their profound gratitude for the support people give, often anonymously,
to the universal ministry of the Holy Father, and exhorted them to
continue this good work.”