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Vatican City - The Vatican said on Friday it is seeing signs of improvement for its finances this year, despite problems caused by the global economic crisis.
Top prelates met this week to discuss the financial outlook for 2010. The forecasts "reflect economic and financial trends that, despite the continued difficulties of the general situation, show a slight improvement," the Vatican said in a statement.
Most of its expenses would come from payroll as well as Vatican Radio and other media divisions. The Vatican did not release specific 2010 forecasts, and its 2009 financial figures will be published later this year.
The Vatican ran a deficit in 2007 and 2008 as its finances and donations from across the world were hit by the global downturn.
Friday's statement was particularly upbeat over the separate administration of the Vatican City state, which ended 2008 with a €15.3m deficit.
The tiny state has "overcome the difficulties of previous financial years, reaching a situation that allows to look to the future with more optimism," the statement said.
The Vatican has published annual figures since 1981, when Pope John Paul II ordered financial disclosure as part of his efforts to debunk the idea that the Vatican is rich.
- AP
