News in brief
The Popes money
For the second year running, the Holy Sees balance sheet is in the red: by 3.4 million Euros in 2001, and by 13.5 million in 2002. According to Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture for economic affairs at the Vatican, these figures can be explained by fluctuations in the dollar and the world economic crisis, and to a lesser degree by the chronic deficit of the Osservatore Romano, of Vatican Radio and of the television channel CTV. But the Holy See can count on donations made by particular Churches and religious institutions, which have risen this year by 250%. Leading donors: America, followed by Germany and Italy.
Communication Urbi et Orbi
From now on the Irish will be able to receive a message from John Paul II via their mobile phone. After duly subscribing, they only have to send the text message POPE ON at n° 53141, and they will receive each day, at midday, a meditation by the Pope in English. Until now, only the Italians could benefit from this service, provided by the distributor Acotel. Soon the Brazilians will have the possibility of receiving a meditation in Portuguese. When can we expect the French version?
