(12 Jul 10 – RV) On Saturday the Vatican published its consolidated financial report
for the year closing 2009. The Holy See posted a €4.1 million deficit for 2009.
It was the third straight year to close with a deficit.
A report issued to
press Saturday explains that the Vatican had revenues of €250.18 million against expenses
of €254.28 million, most of which went to cover operating costs of the various curial
Dicasteries and organisms of the Holy See, including the Holy See’s communications
outfits, particularly Vatican Radio.
Major expenses for the Governatorate of
Vatican City State included maintenance and restoration projects on the Holy See’s
artistic and architectural patrimony, including major renovations of the Vatican Library,
and security as well.
The report also noted an increase in Peter’s Pence donations,
which come from dioceses, religious communities and lay faithful throughout the world.
Calculated
in US Dollars, Catholics in 2009 donated $82.52 million, an increase with respect
to both 2008 and 2007.
Leading donors were the U.S., Italy and France, through
the report also noted the significant donations from Korea and Japan, which were very
large if considered in comparison to the number of Catholic faithful.
The
report concludes with a note of gratitude to all those who contributed generously
and often anonymously to the support of the Holy Father’s Apostolic and charitable
ministry in the service of the universal Church.