At the heart of the Catholic Church, gold not only has a deep religious and cultural meaning, but also a specific weight as a material treasure.
Long before its founding in 1929, the Vatican City State has accumulated a vast amount of gold coming from donations, commercial exchanges and war loot in times of conflict.
Gold has played a key role in the development and expansion of the Church's power, being used for both liturgical purposes and consolidating the Vatican's position as an influential political and economic entity.
Historical events such as the Crusades, religious military expeditions carried out between the 11th and 13th centuries, or the completion of St. Peter's Basilica in 1626, saw significant use of gold, consolidating its presence in what would become the Holy See.
Gold in the Vatican Art
The Vatican is home to some of the world's most impressive masterpieces, many of which are adorned with gold. Not only does the use of this precious metal add aesthetic value, but it also helps preserve these works, ensuring their longevity and maintaining their cultural importance over time.
In St. Peter's Basilica, for example, are the Baldachin and the Golden Throne, both creations of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The first is an imposing structure of gilded bronze, richly decorated with gold, while the second features angels and rays of light, incorporating a mix of marble, bronze and gold.
In St. Peter's Basilica itself, the interior dome is decorated with mosaics containing a very thin sheet of gold, known as "gold leaf", used to give shine and highlight the figures represented.
On the other hand, Michelangelo's emblematic frescoes that adorn the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel contain details in gold in some of the frames and decorative elements that surround the biblical scenes.
Economic Aspects of Gold in the Vatican
The Vatican owns a significant amount of gold reserves, but the exact figure is not entirely clear due to the lack of detailed public reporting. According to estimates published in various sources over the years, it is estimated that the Vatican could have between USD $4 and USD $6 billion in gold reserves.
These reserves are distributed in various financial institutions around the world, including the Institute for Works of Religion (commonly known as the Vatican Bank) and other financial entities of the Church. Part of the Vatican’s gold is kept in the form of bars and coins, stored in Swiss banks, the Bank of Italy and other safe places.
Thus, beyond its symbolic and artistic value, the Holy See has maintained gold reserves as part of its financial strategy, using this resource to guarantee economic stability and support its operations globally.
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