With all due respect, we are not attempting to correct a man of God but we want to point out an aspect that many don’t seem to reckon with.
The Pope has no private jet but he charters Alitalia and the trips are very expensive. They often cost tens of millions of dollars.
Pope Francis trip to Canada from the Vatican from 24th to 29th July 2022 cost 55 million dollars.
Please how much is a cost of a private jet?
A brand new global express 5500 costs about 48 million dollars and about 1.1 million dollars on maintenance for 200 hours flight annually.
On average, the Pope travels internationally about 4 times a year. Pope Francis, for example, made 40 international trips over 10 years, averaging 4 trips per year, according to the Detroit Catholic. He also visited other distant places like DR Congo, South Korea, Philippines, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Myanmar, East Timor and Indonesia to mention a few. Some of these trips cost more than 60 million dollars and others probably less.
Four trips per annum is similar to the average number of trips taken by Pope John Paul II and that’s about 200 million dollars annually.
The Pope has the right to travel anywhere he wants and anyway he wants. However, Pastors that are privileged to fly aircraft such as Pastor Adeboye and Bishop Oyedepo have same right.
Please let’s stop gaslighting any servant of God for flying or driving any machine. The earth is the Lord’s and the Fullness Thereof. Psalm 24:1
Benson Idahosa was suspended by his pastor at Assemblies of God for buying and using a motorcycle. When the Pastor’s wife was pregnant, the same bike was used to take the pastors wife to the hospital.
When Idahosa bought a Mercedes Benz, all hell was let loose. Now even the biggest critics of private jet flying pastors believe it’s okay to buy Benz.
A pastor who criticized private jet flying pastors admitted that he flies strictly first class on international flights.
Question:
Why didn’t he use economy or go by road or ship?
It almost appears that people always criticize the next level… Until they get there.
Could it be a result of envy or lack of faith in God?
I love how Bishop Oyedepo put it…
When we prophesied aircraft in those days, they used to laugh at us and wink their noses.
They will waylay our members and be asking them after service, what has your pastor said again today.
Has your aircraft arrived?
Now that the aircraft have arrived…..they are angry…
Please stop comparing the means of travel by the Pope to any pastor. He is a sovereign and rules a country. Stop comparing apples and oranges.
Finally, the Catholic Church is the richest in the world.. Well maybe no more. There is the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. However, offerings are still sent from the Catholic Church worldwide to the Vatican and yet there are reported cases of financial challenges in the Vatican up till this year.
Facts should be put in perspective.
God bless.
#ChurchGist
