Vatican admits it has nearly depleted its financial reserves and pleads for more donations from the faithful

• The Vatican published its 2021 budget in its latest effort at greater transparency
• It seeks to reassure donors that money is being well spent after mismanagement
• However, the Vatican warned it has nearly depleted its reserves from donations
• It is now urging the faithful to continue giving to cover its budget deficit 
• Francis' economy minister, Reverend Juan Antonio Guerrero Alves, said the pandemic reduced donations as well as revenue from shuttered museums
• He said this would contribute to a projected 30 percent reduction in revenue 
• The reduction will be 213 million euros in 2021, from 307 million euros in 2019 

The Vatican warned that it has nearly depleted its financial reserves from past donations to cover budget deficits over recent years, as it urged continued giving from the faithful to keep the Holy See afloat and Pope Francis' ministry going.

The Vatican published its 2021 budget in its latest effort at greater financial transparency amid a predicted 50 million euro budget deficit this year.

The aim is to reassure donors that their money is being well spent, following years of mismanagement that is currently the focus of a Vatican corruption investigation.