Which Religion Is the Richest in 2024
The Catholic Church is widely regarded as the richest religion in the world in 2024, with global assets estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Its wealth comes from donations, real estate, investments, and cultural properties accumulated over centuries.
How the Catholic Church Builds and Manages Wealth
The Church manages wealth through dioceses, religious orders, and the Vatican. It owns extensive land, historic buildings, banks, and investment portfolios. Contributions from parishioners worldwide, along to bequests and tourism-related revenue, support its financial operations.
Other Wealthy Religious Organizations and Global Context
Other major faiths also hold significant assets. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church of England, and large Islamic endowments control substantial funds and properties. According to recent analyses, religious wealth is often tied to membership size, history, and institutional structure. For a broader view of global religious finances, see https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2024/02/27/religion-and-finances/.
