Why can't we all just get along? Who said that ... Rodney King? LOL -
The vatican gets their money mostly from tours, gift shops, and their stocks. They have not been aggressive w/ their stocks though, and will not put up any of their treasures <pricesless art work, jewelries, etc., just to name a few> as collateral for any of their investments. Everyone knows the gas in Rome is the cheapest in Italy and have the best prices for cigarettes
but in order to keep it friendly w/ the Italian Gov., you gotta have a pass to buy these items - thus having a very lucrative market strategy
Despite all the faults of the church or whatever they have done in the past, present and soon in the future - the last pope was at least trying to reach all the different barriers. He was outspoken against tyranny and the war in Iraq and Afganistan; he helped get rid of communism in Eastern Europe, so people can freely worship regardless of their faith. Instead of dividing everyone up like most, he tried to unite us all by reminding us that at the end of the day, we are all part of the human race. He is definitely NOT god and has faults just like us all, but he tried what most of us can't even begin to accomplish.
Not a catholic, but I respect someone who doesn't just fall down and follow the piper, especially when the piper is the damned GWB!