“Peter’s Pence” is an annual appeal to Roman Catholics around the world who are asked to contribute to “an activity that supports the most needy.” In June, Catholics are asked to “give to the Pope so that he can provide for the needs of the entire Church.”
But a recent investigation found that, rather than the funds being directed to help the poor and suffering, 90 per cent of the more than €50 million ($72 million Canadian) collected went directly to fight the Vatican’s growing budget deficit.