Also, more from John Allen Jr.. I like the comparisons to Harvard U and Oprah. "The Vatican ... is rumored to be swimming in loot, but its annual budget is less than $400 million. For comparison, consider that Harvard University’s is more than $3 billion. The Vatican’s portfolio of stocks, bonds, and real estate comes to roughly $1 billion. For a slightly whimsical frame of reference, Forbes estimates that Oprah Winfrey, all by herself, is worth $2.5 billion. The great artistic treasures of the Vatican, such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, are literally priceless; they’re listed on Vatican books at a value of 1 euro each because they can never be sold or borrowed against." By keeping its artistic treasures, of course, the Church preserves them for all future generations. Donating them to a museum would not feed the poor, and selling them to private collectors would not guarantee their preservation and availability to the world.

That's African archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, sorry.