why can't the Pope sell all the wealth of the Vatican and give it all to the poor?

Question

I mean Jesus was born poor and the only thing he had was his sandals & cloth.

Answer 1

Because the Pope doesn't own any of that. He barely has any personal possessions at all.

Answer 2

The Church is "rich" because it's spent several centuries accumulating money that was donated, willed, given freely, and entrusted to it. Should the Church appear lavish? Of course not. But do you know how much the Church donates every year? Do you know how much of that money is used to help the poor and destitute? Do you know how much the Church needs to be able to support it's officiants? Or how much it takes to actually maintain the Vatican? Even humanitarian services must be funded. The Church wouldn't have that capability if it didn't have the finances. The Pope as a representative of ST. PETER is normally dressed modestly, but why should he appear destitute? Especially when he's actually out doing and supporting humanitarian works or addressing the world? As awful as you think it is, in this day and age, it really is tradition as well as putting on appropriate attire to a world that's already very critical. No matter what the Church does, no matter what the Pope does, there will be criticism. I have more issues with some of the doctrines put forth by some of the past Popes (and yes, the current Pope too) which I think is far more important than the supposed wealth of the Church. I think it's far more important to see the good that the Church and the Pope actually accomplish, and criticize to work for the better for humanity. Not just the money. You can please some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time.

Answer 3

ICU, would you like to buy the wealth of the Vatican? Then you should do a search as to who the owner is of "all the wealth of the Vatican" The Pope will not be able to sell it to you,or to anyone else, since he does not own "all the wealth of the Vatican." Jesus, was not poor, you just need to study the Scripture more carefully in order to get more understanding. Wealth also is considered a blessing from God in the Bible. You have some good answers here and I am sure you will learn from them. God bless you

Answer 4

Jesus doesn't care if you are rich or poor, money has nothing to do with your salvation. The same could be said about you and I do we own more than Jesus did. I am not Catholic, but I don't think the Pope owns the Vatican, just where he lives. The Pope like you and I will one day have to answer to Christ, it is not for us to judge.

Answer 5

The Papacy had that choice right after the Knights of the Templar (returned from the Crusades)?with a scroll written by Jesus himself. It specifically, condemned the construction of Church Buildings. It reitterated Jesus' earlier preachings that the people are his "church" not th buildings . (e-mail me for more specifics)

(Well this is simpy a story and a rumor that spread when According to the History Channel the Papacy insisted on destroying the scroll that the Knights had in their possession.
When the Knights refused to give up the scroll, The Pope had them arrested and executed. (The History Channel said they suspect a few Knights escaped with the scroll. Of course the scroll has probably rotted by now.)

Answer 6

Jesus was not born poor; when he was born, kings brought him gold, silver, frankensense, etc. and the Bible does not say that He gave it back! Neither does he require his followers to be poor; that's a misconception that many people have about Christianity. He told one of his followers to sell all that he had and give to the poor, but notice that he said "sell," not give away. If you are poor, how can you be a blessing to anybody else? Money is not the root of evil, the love of money is.

Answer 7

Because such is the way of the World.

knowledge is power and the Vatican is the repository for much valuable knowledge and despite what they say is Truth and what is so-called heresy, the fact remains that the Pope is guilty of circumventing the word of God. No other religious Organization has wielded so much control over the presentation of the divine will.

none.

Jesus said to be watchful of those who speak on his behalf. Who does this so proudly? the Pope and every other so-called god appointed teacher of every religion. the word of god is given to all in the manner that they could understand and mankind took his word and perverted it, muddled it up, mixed it up, confused it and now it's even harder to find Truth. What they don't realize is that the Truth is in us and it recognizes itself. Truth is where you find. Always seek until your doubt is removed. Jesus even said "ask and I will tell you with certainty. Ask and I will provide what you seek in terms you can understand. (well, that's what he said, if you don't believe me, look up some of the apocryphal texts on sacred-texts.com

I reference this website ONLY because it seems quite neutral and presents texts and historical documents from all faiths, philosophies and favors none of them. There is a also a collection of inspired works from ordinary people not claiming prophet status, but whose ideas are worth reading. It is all worth considering, when you know that all of it has value.

Answer 8

The Pope lives in a museum. The museum belongs to the whole church. His living quarters is very simple.
There is a Vatican Web page. Perhaps you need to ask the Pope directly. Hopefully you will get an answer from one of his representatives.

Answer 9

>>Why can't the Pope sell all the wealth of the Vatican and give it all to the poor?<<

For the same reason President Bush can't sell all the wealth of the United States and give it all to the poor -- it doesn't belong to him.

Answer 10

Have you ever herd the saying "give a man a fish and he will have food for a day,Teach a man to fish and he will have food all year "? Pour wealth on the poor, they will be rich for awhile , but will go back being poor again ,it is important to work and earn what you have in order to truly appreciate it ,and to manage it .

Answer 11

Hmm, good question. The Catholic church has been plagued with bureaucracy and corruption throughout history. However, the Church does help the poor in a multitude of ways throughout the world both materially and more important spiritually so....you know what, im not sure, sorry.