text: CAEL - just how wealthy are Catholic religious orders?
  
  "Measured by assets entrusted, the most important group of clients was religious orders. They accounted for ...54 percent..."  Assets of 5.7 billion euros, times .54 is 3.078 billion Euros.  At a conversion rate of 1.2 euros to the U.S. dollar, that is $3.7 billion (rounding up).  
  
  But that only includes what is held at the Vatican Bank.  The real values are in the lands and buildings and businesses they own.  
  
  We have no idea of the wealth - or poverty - of religious orders.  The Jesuits and Christian Brothers have selectively declared bankruptcy in several districts.  Who knows what assets are really held by them?  The religious orders in Ireland involved in child abuse agreed to pay into a compensation fund - but most haven't done it.  Dioceses that declare bankruptcy - what are they really worth when all their assets are added up?  
  
  Would Jesus beg for help to feed the poor while wearing a piece of gold jewelry?