Can you explain the wealth of the Catholic Church?

[tulula77]

At a dinner table I was asked, “Can you explain the opulence of the Vatican? Can you explain the way poor peasants’ work and sacrifice financed Saint Peter’s Basilica? How can Catholics talk about exalting the poor when the Pope lives surrounded by incalculable lavishness and riches. “ To the best of my ability, I tried to answer these questions. Unfortunately, I wasn’t prepared to do a better job. Could you please help me? Could you please recommend any book or online article that addresses this question specifically?

Thank you.

 

[Leonie_Ambrose]

tulula77,

The following links should assist you in better understanding the Catholic Church’s teaching on wealth. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

Recommended Reading:
Shouldn’t the Church sell off its artifacts?

Is luxurious living a sin?
When is trying to make money working for mammon?
Is it a sin to be rich?

Live Simply? Live Shrewdly by Donna Doornik **
The Mass, the Temple, and Loraine Boettner** by T.L. Frazier