Re: Pope having a butler raises eyebrows (Letters, June 22)
Yes. The Pope has a butler.
Mr. Lamb has covered a lot of territory in his letter. There are a few key points that would benefit from some clarification.
Yes, there is a Vatican Bank, or as it’s more properly called, The Institute for Works of Religion. It was formed to provide for the safekeeping and administration of property and assets that are donated to the church. It is a not-for-profit institution and any surplus is used for religious or charitable services.
The property and artistic treasures of the Catholic Church do not belong to any individual. They are administered by the church, but are for the benefit of all of humanity. That’s why they are not sold to pay expenses.
Yes, the Pope has a butler. This is not a reflection of his wealth, but rather of the busy life he leads as the head of a very large organization.
All churches and charitable organizations solicit donations in order to carry on operations. It does not follow that amassing material capital is a church’s primary aim. People have given, are giving, and will continue to give to the church because they believe it is fulfilling its stated goals.
Anastasia Pearse
Saanich
