I've lost Bill's phone number. I think you will have to find William F. and sit him down and ask why he made that statement. I've stated my beliefs - they're in this thread.

I said _IF_ the Vatican needed money -I'm sure said museum and others as well, would find a way to finance the purchase through grants, endowments,etc. The charity issue you keep bringing up is irrelevant to this discussion. The Met. Museum is not a charitable institution. And my feeling is the R.C. Church is not either! It's a business.

I'm moving on Nick. Ciao!