I don't understand the Vatican?

Don't be misled by the statement espousing the

Catholic Church as some altruistic charity...

It is, in fact, a HUGE business enterprise and it

would not be charitable one iota if it wasn't (a

huge business).

And, I concur - I would do the same if I won the lottery.

In fact, I would extend that help to our quadruped friends!

>> Yes, the poor, poor pope must live in the desolation

that is the Vatican...

http://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl=en&rlz=1C1G...

http://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl=en&rlz=1C1G...

TDs expected from the R&S Catholic Mafia...

" What is it with religious establishments like the Vatican "

You say this as if there are many places like the Vatican. The Vatican is one of a kind.

As a Christian I wouldn't have a problem if the Catholic Church was shut down. It's as a corrupt an organization as they come.

It would be wise to read Exodus 25, only then will you gain a brief understanding that will hopefully push you toward a more extensive search.

Remember, God is not going to hand you everything on a silver platter, our Lord specifically said "seek and you will find"; Matthew 7:7.

Take the time to make an effort if you really desire to know the truth, the doorway is small but once opened it is endless.

footnote: Matthew 26:11

God bless'

As ImaCatholic & Paul Cyp already posted, the Catholic Church does the most charity in the developing world than any other religion or organization.

Do you know that in the Holy Bible, there was only one person who ever complained about using expenses for religious purposes, as opposed to helping the poor. And do you know who that person was? Judas Iscariot, right before he decided to betray the Lord Jesus!!!

There was a famous priest who I think is dead now named Father Martin Malachi. And he spoke about how in the inner circles of the Vatican they worship Satan and perform actual Satanic rituals. I mean look at them. Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston spent years transferring pedophile priests to different congregations instead of turning them into the cops. He's a serial accessory to rape. And when the weanie Attorney General from Massachusettes, Tom Riley, didn't charge him with anything because he was too scared to, the Vatican transferred him to their place in Rome and set him up in lavish living and gave him some important job. The Vatican is basically an evil and corrupt place. I wouldn't expect too much from them.

In fact, the Catholic Church, under the direction of the Vatican, provides far more basic human services to the poor of the world - Catholic and Non-Catholic alike - than ALL other churches COMBINED. And, Catholic Relief Services is always one of the first responders to any natural catastrophe. I'd say they put the generosity of their members to very good uses.

They are full of themselves the only reason they are up there is because they seek power and wealth. The majority of them are Freemasons.

"I don't understand the vatican..."

Don't try. They're the woman riding the beast of 7 heads & 10 horns spoken of in Revelation.

http://666truth.org/

@nightmus: Malachi Martin ;-)

@javi: you mean jesuits? They control the FMs and all others!

+ Wealth? +

In 1981, Pope John Paul II ordered annual financial disclosures to debunk the idea that the Vatican is rich.

2010: http://www.news.va/en/news/vatican-out-of-the-red-...

2009: http://www.breakingnews.ie/world/vatican-posts-thi...

2008: http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jul09/0,4670,Vati...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/05/vatican-r...

2007: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/07/09/vatican-f...

2006: http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/07038...

+ Costumes? +

The garments of Catholic clergy goes back centuries, maybe even millenia (that means over 1,000 years).

During religious ceremonies, Catholic clergy wear beautiful vestments in a rather weak imitation of the resurrected Christ (kind of like how He is described in the Transfiguration).

Outside of religious ceremonies, Catholic clergy wear rather simple clothes. The color of the Catholic clerical clothes is connected with the hierarchy of of the clergy

+ The Pope wears white

+ Cardinals wear red

+ Bishops wear violet

+ Priest wear black

For example, black is a symbol of:

+ Poverty, giving up bright colors and thus giving up what the world brings, its glittering, honors and entertainment

+ Dying to to the world every day and being immersed in eternity

+ Dying to oneself to rise and serve the Lord as well as giving witness of the Kingdom yet to come.

+ Luxuries? +

The Pope is 85 years old, works long hours, earns no salary, has no personal fortune, and cannot retire. He lives alone in a rent-free apartment in the middle of a museum. His food and clothing are donated to him by the free will offerings of Catholics all over the world.

WWJD? What would Jesus do?

Jesus Christ worked long hours, earned no salary, had no personal fortune, and worked until his death. He stayed rent free in whatever homes would welcome him. His food and clothing were donated to him by the free will offerings of his followers.

http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=15...

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/10/world/world-brie...

With love in Christ.

What is to understand, it is a mega-corporation solely interested in making money.