Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 4/4/2008

Question
Hello,
  I was born Catholic, went 12 years to Catholic school and had the same parish priest for over 20 years.  
  My wife is a banker and she handles accounts of some priests.  She said some are multimillionaires and deposit great sums of money into their own personal accounts.  I was always under the impression that when men went into the priesthood they pledged poverty, chastity and obedience.  Where do they get all this money from?  I also hear that some priests retire and lead lavish lives while those poor nuns that educated us are struggling to survive in poverty.
  Pope Benedict said that extreme wealth was sinful.  Does this apply to priests?

Answer
Peace

Dear Don,
     First, I believe your wife by sharing such even with you may have cross an ethical line.
     Second if its diocesan, it not likely they took a vow of poverty. Even if they did, it would not mean they couldn't have "alot" of money. Poverty can be of two forms. One is a sense of humility, the other is two honestly use the material goods we have or are in charge of for the Glory of God and the benefit of other. We are all called to
 I also doubt the Holy Father said,that extreme wealth was sinful. He may have said to abuse one's wealth and other goods, is sinful.
 As for where these priest got their money, perhaps they invested their personal income or maybe some gave it to them, or the won a local jack post. As long as its was legally and morally gained, who cares.

                           your servant but Christ's first
                                  George