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Vatican City, Jun 25, 2021 / 08:10 am (CNA).
The Vatican’s economic chief has asked Catholics to make donations to Peter’s Pence ahead of the worldwide annual collection the weekend of June 26 and 27.
Fr. Juan A. Guerrero, S.J., prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, said Friday in an interview with Vatican News that donations to Peter’s Pence were down by 18% during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The pandemic-related crisis is likely to make itself felt again this year,” he said.
Peter’s Pence is the Holy See’s annual collection to finance the pope’s charitable works and other priorities, including the Roman Curia.
The annual collection is usually taken up in Catholic churches around the world on a weekend close to the June 29 Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. In 2020, the collection was moved to Oct. 4, because of church closures.
Guerrero told Vatican News that in 2019, Catholics gave 53.86 million euros ($64.4 million) to Peter’s Pence, a decrease of 23% from 2015.
In 2020, Catholics gave 44.1 million euros ($52.7 million).
The economic chief noted that, as of December 31, 2020, the Peter’s Pence fund was worth around 205 million euros ($245 million) some of which was not liquid, because it was invested in properties, such as the controversial building at 60 Sloane Avenue in London. That investment resulted in major losses for the Holy See.
Guerrero called this “a painful story” and said that the Holy See has “embarked on a path of transparency,” including clarification of “unclear events.”
He said Peter’s Pence has been decapitalized in recent years, using more than it has received from collections, in order to cover expenses of the Roman Curia otherwise left unfunded
“It is obvious that it can no longer be like this,” Guerrero stated.
In a 2021 budget released in March, the Holy See projected a deficit of nearly $60 million this year.
According to the projections, Peter’s Pence will provide the Holy See with $57 million in income, with $37 million being used for operational costs and $20 million for charitable grants.
A press release from the Dicastery for Communications June 25 said people affected by the coronavirus pandemic is one of the destinations of Peter’s Pence money this year.
It said the donations will also go to support Pope Francis’ service to the Catholic Church around the world.
The press release provided information for how to make a contribution to Peter’s Pence online or through a bank transfer, as additional options to giving through a parish collection.
“Let’s help the Pope to help,” it said.
“It is important to collaborate because we cannot imagine that the mission of the Church can be sustained without the contribution of the faithful,” Guerrero said. “The proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world, with all that it entails, presupposes a support structure. The Church has always lived this way.”
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I would like to know the amount of money the Vatican is receiving from the Chinese government.
Not a cent to Peter’s Pence as long as Francis remains Pope. Under him, the Vatican has become a cesspool of corruption. I see no reason why my money should be used to fund biopics about gay pope stars or corrupt real estate deals, not to mention all the drug fuelled orgies going on in the Vatican.
No TLM, no money from TBM (me)
I think we should all be very selective in whom/what we support in the Church. No more automatic blind giving. I give to my local parish, often earmarking the funds, but not my diocese, especially after the unprecedented shutting down of Masses due to Covid, with no plan in place to provide the sacraments. The Vatican seems to have plenty of cash on hand for the most ridiculous un-Catholic things…sorry, I’d rather contribute to my dear sweet humble pastor who essentially gets the middle finger from the bishop because he refuses to turn away non-masked people in the communion line.
Guerrero stated, “…we cannot imagine that the mission of the Church can be sustained…” Guerrero speaks of revenues here, however, I want to know exactly what he believes the mission of the Catholic Church is. Truely, Guerrero, would you please explain why Our Divine Lord came into the world?
Here’s a hint, St. John Bosco knew, St. John Vianney knew, Mother Teresa knew, St. Isaac Jogues and companions didn’t deem shaking the money tree was the priority, Maximillion Kolbe wasn’t party to wining, dining and hysterically joking with the Hillary’s of this world.
Guerrero, have you figured it out? The Catholic faithful are waiting, listening.
Oh, I see, you have to dialogue, consult, discern— -What’s that, you say? — “You’ll get back to us later”?
The lights went out — please pass the salt.