So who actually owns most of the land and buildings then? I'm afraid I can't remember where it came from, but I thought the property in any one diocese was registered in the name of the bishop of that diocese. It may well be tripe, though.

I think the wealth that is tied up in art treasures is incalculable - I wasn't even including it in my estimation of their disposable capital assets, likewise the Vatican library and the buildings of historical interest. It doesn't really matter who owns it so long as it's accessible and looked after.

Interesting view of bishops - I can imagine that's true, but it's a lot of bad bishops.