But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
(Isaiah 11:4)
Never has a contradicting problem been highlighted as the secret war between the infamous Vatican and the poverty that outlines the streets and walls of the city. The Vatican officials claim that the Roman Catholic Church is ‘a non profit organisation’.
With a charge of 14 Euros per person entry to the Vatican and an easy daily average of 30,000 entrants, it makes others like myself question what a net of 420,000 Euros per day is being put towards.
Earlier this year, Pope Benedict highlighted the problem on global poverty. However, what he fails or chooses not to see is the poverty within his own city walls. As one of the most influential figures in the world, he seems to dismiss the clear evidence of poverty within the city of Rome.
As I walked 300 meters from my hotel to the Vatican to view the hand crafted beauty that was held within the walls, I noticed 7 beggars of whom all had a major disfigurement with their body which appeared to be self inflicted. What I began to question was why they wouldn’t seek refuge, sanctuary and guidance within the foundations that claim to represent the war against poverty. One woman I came across was wheeling herself along on a skateboard with her hands as her feet were clearly broken and beginning to die.
The 600 year foundation of an organisation with a wealth of $10 billion to $15 billion the Vatican still fail to impress with their efforts to end global poverty.
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
(Psalm 37:25,26)
Does anyone else detect a sense of irony?
