
The best 2025 jewelry gifts and trends, according to London Jewelers
London Jewelers rises to every occasion.
From Mother's Day and engagements to anniversaries, the venerable retailer has the perfect gifts for all of life's precious moments. And next year, the company will mark a milestone of its own: a century of excellence.
'Having a business that has survived 100 years with four generations involved is very rare today,' says Candy Udell, London's president, who runs the company alongside her husband, Mark; their children, Randi and Scott; and their nephew, Zach. 'We have built this with a lot of pride and integrity and my customers know how hard we work. We started out with four people and now we have 18 stores in New York and New Jersey carrying all the top luxury jewelry and watch brands, and we've built wonderful relationships along the way.'
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Buccellati Hawaii necklace in 18-k yellow gold, $15,000
Courtesy of London Jewelers
Buccellati Opera Tulle earrings in 18-k yellow and white gold with diamonds, $16,500
Courtesy of London Jewelers
So many of London's partnerships — and friendships — were established decades ago. 'If I want to give us any kudos,' says Udell, 'it's that we were able to establish valuable relationships with so many of the founders of these iconic brands way before they were as successful as they are today. We go back a long way and have a great history,' she continues, mentioning legacy names like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Panerai and Buccellati. 'It's been pretty incredible building personal relationships with these brands over 50 years.'
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And the future looks even brighter.
'We are working on some incredible projects,' says Udell. 'Rolex just unveiled a new store in Manhasset last week and a Rolex Boutique will be opening this August in East Hampton, the first of its kind in the world. There will be more exciting news next year when our new watch boutique opens with even more brands and a separate Patek Philippe salon within. All in time for our 100th anniversary!'
Verdura Pebble bracelet in 18-k yellow gold with aquamarine, $39,500
Courtesy of London Jewelers
To commemorate its centenary, London is planning a series of glittering functions, from in-store parties to brand events to specialty product introductions. Philanthropy is important to the company, which hosts fundraising initiatives for causes, offers scholarships and helps others via generous actions like funding hot meal deliveries to five hospitals during the COVID pandemic. 'London's personal mission is to give back to the communities that support our business by helping the many local charities,' she says, adding that the company will be doing a symbolic 100 good deeds, one for every year.
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Giving is a theme at London, whether it's helping those in need, sharing expertise or finding a gift that mom will cherish. 'It's wonderful to give a watch or a piece of jewelry, and it creates great memories,' says Udell, noting that the Manhasset flagship will be offering tulip bouquets and handmade silk flowers over Mother's Day weekend and providing exceptional hospitality throughout the store. 'We have pieces that you can pass down to generations to come.'
She loves the purity of modern classics like diamond studs, tennis bracelets and tennis necklaces — the staples of every jewelry wardrobe today. Moms are layering and stacking their metals and customizing them with charms. 'The London Collection has something for everyone, from an adorable newborn and a sporty teen to a glam grandma. We have a wide array of fashion and classic jewelry for self-wearing and gifting.'
Pasquale Bruni Giardini Segreti ring in 18-k white gold with diamonds, $22,800
Courtesy of London Jewelers
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Brilliantly hued gemstone rings, necklaces and earrings make unique and eye-catching additions. 'People often tend to overlook color, like jewelry set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, tourmalines. If you have a favorite color, like pink, green, turquoise or yellow, we have a multitude of options in our collections.'
Retro designs are increasingly trendy. 'Vintage has become very popular and it is something that we are definitely getting into,' says Udell. 'We're looking forward to heading into it with a purpose.'
Speaking of bold and bright: Last year London added Verdura to its mix. 'They have a wonderful history, like all our other brands, and design for royalty and movie stars alike. Coco Chanel was often the muse, and the Maltese Cross cuff was created for her.'
Sounds like a future family heirloom.
Norman Silverman eternity bands in platinum with diamonds, prices upon request
Courtesy of London Jewelers
Timeless appeal: Celebrate Mother's Day with meaningful treasures from London Jewelers
London Jewelers is the ultimate destination for all things shiny. While the Manhasset flagship carries a dazzling array of fine jewelry and watches, the store's Gift Gallery (temporarily housed in the Wheatley Plaza store at 180 Wheatley Plaza in Greenvale, LI) is arrayed with gleaming designer accessories for the home.
The tempting assortment includes luxurious and up-to-the-minute décor and objects, from high-end crystal and china to cozy blankets, scented candles, desk accessories, games, prestige pens and much more.
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'We have things for every occasion and price point,' Candy Udell, president of London Jewelers, tells Alexa. 'We cover newborns to grandmas, and everyone in between. Engagements, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, graduations and birthdays — whatever it is we have something.'
Venus et Fleur Fleura vase with 34-36 Eternity Roses, $429
Venus et Fleur
Of course, you don't need a special event to shop for creature comforts there. 'A lot of people pick out beautiful things for themselves,' says Udell. 'Custom safes are also available for homes, which is a specialty for us.'
Catching the light are crystal wonders from brands like Lalique and William Yeoward. Meanwhile, Baccarat's famous figurines and colorful butterflies, Champagne flutes and faceted bowls make sparkling keepsake gifts. So do exquisite silver frames from Buccellati.
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The tabletop display includes MacKenzie-Childs' graphic platters and plates and Michael Aram's coveted cheese board and knife sets. Georg Jensen's Indulgence Grand wine cooler, Rosenthal's swirly Squall gold porcelain vase and Jonathan Adler's brass and acrylic Futuristic Fantasy Globo Tripod bowl make every party more enchanting.
The selection for little ones is also irresistible. Mon Ami stuffed bears, bunnies and ballerinas are squeezably soft, while Elegant Baby beribboned baby socks and cable sweaters and hats are equal parts cute and useful. These nursery essentials can be assembled in darling gift baskets.
Michael Aram Dandelion frame, $160
Courtesy of London Jewelers
As for Venus et Fleur's everlasting floral arrangements, they're currently available at the Two by London store at 2032 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset.
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Udell is a dog lover and active dog rescuer who has saved 10,000 pups, so there are plenty of goodies for furry friends.
'Our Cause for Paws line of jewelry is designed to give back to shelters, rescues and other animal-related causes,' she says. 'This product is also available online, and is popular for every holiday as a wonderful way to give to people who love animals.'
William Yeoward Harlequine footed crystal bowl, $850
Courtesy of London Jewelers
The friendly Gift Gallery staff is on hand to help customers find just the right items and wrap them gorgeously. That way, the presentation is just as wonderful as the present inside.
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Heart of gold
London Jewelers' VP Randi Udell Alper selects sensational stunners for mom.
Keep-snake
Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace in 18-k rose gold with diamonds, $58,000
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'This is a signature, iconic Bulgari piece that stands the test of time. It's perfect for every occasion, from casual to dressy and from day to night. Mom will treasure this versatile and sophisticated necklace.'
Moving message
London Collection I Love You customizable bracelet in 18-k rose gold with diamonds, $5,960
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'Customizing your own jewelry should be effortless and personal. Create a meaningful piece with the London Collection's personalized slider with diamond letters and numbers. Wear it as a stand-alone piece or make a statement and stack.'
Love match
Verdura I Love You bracelet in 18-k yellow gold, $15,500
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'More than beautiful, this piece also holds deep sentimental value. It's a chain-link bracelet that creates an unbreakable bond between two people, and it lasts forever. It's a very romantic design.'
Tennis, anyone?
London Collection tennis necklace in 14-k white gold with diamonds, $39,915.
Courtesy of London Jewelers
London Collection earrings in 14-k white gold with diamonds, $28,640
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'Diamonds symbolize love, eternity, strength, purity and commitment. They're everlasting, like this gorgeous trio from our London Jewelers brand. It makes a meaningful and glamorous gift for every mother in your life.'
Best and brightest
Honor moms with diamond dazzlers approved by London Jewelers' VP Scott Udell.
Lucky charm
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds, $69,000
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'Celebrate the timeless elegance of motherhood with this necklace, inspired by the lucky clover leaf. It's a special gift for a special mom on Mother's Day, wishing her love, luck and joy throughout the year.'
Forever chic
London Collection eternity band in platinum with diamonds, $29,230
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'Always a popular choice, an eternity band is a classic piece in every woman's jewelry wardrobe. The continuous line of stones around the ring represents endless love. What could be more appropriate for Mother's Day?'
Arm candy
Chanel Coco Crush bracelet in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds, $12,800
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'You can't go wrong with a Coco Crush bracelet. They come in every color of gold, from white and yellow 18-karat to Chanel's signature beige alloy, with or without diamonds. They're great for stacking and you can wear them with anything.'
In the flow
London Collection Candy Cane dangle earrings in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds, $70,000
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'When the weekend rolls around, every mom needs a gorgeous pair of going-out earrings. This drop style is elegant and timeless and adds dazzle to every outfit. She'll get a lot of use out of this pair.'
Good times are here again
London Jewelers' VP Zach Udell clocks watches with magnificent designs for Mother's Day.
Warm regards
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust watch in Everose gold with diamonds, $46,400.
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'Rolex has its own foundry and its Everose gold is one of the best materials out there. This 18-karat alloy won't tarnish or change color over time. Chocolate dials have been trending and we're also seeing a demand for smaller cases, like this 28 mm size. This watch is sleek and sophisticated for day and the diamond bezel and diamond markers add sparkle for evening.'
Linked in
Panthère de Cartier watch in 18-k yellow gold, $43,600
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'This Panthère cuff ticks two boxes: It's a stunning piece of jewelry and also a timepiece. The links are small, rounded and smooth, so it's very comfortable to wear. The design dates back to the '80s — it's updated for today but still very true to the original. And it has Cartier's signature blue sword-shaped hands and Roman numerals on the dial.'
New neutral
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce self-winding watch in rose gold with diamonds, $55,850
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'You can wear this versatile Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce for all occasions. The taupe color is warm and feminine but still neutral enough for everyday use, and the rounded octagonal bezel enhanced with 48 diamonds dresses it up for a casual evening out. The Ref. 5268/200R is water-resistant to 30 meters and the strap is made of a composite material, making it a beautiful and durable Mother's Day gift.'
Triple play
Bulgari Bulgari Tubogas watch in 18-k yellow, rose and white gold with diamonds, $43,100
Courtesy of London Jewelers
'This double- and triple-wraparound style is iconic. It's not an easy feat to produce an ultralight, flexible, tubular design and Bulgari really is the best at it. The mix of 18-karat yellow, white and rose gold metals gives you wearability: This watch will work with all of your jewelry. The black lacquer dial with minimalist diamond markers is both chic and modern.'
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The Hill
30 minutes ago
- The Hill
How the Vatican manages money and where Pope Leo XIV might find more
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The world's smallest country has a big budget problem. The Vatican doesn't tax its residents or issue bonds. It primarily finances the Catholic Church's central government through donations that have been plunging, ticket sales for the Vatican Museums, as well as income from investments and an underperforming real estate portfolio. The last year the Holy See published a consolidated budget, in 2022, it projected 770 million euros ($878 million), with the bulk paying for embassies around the world and Vatican media operations. In recent years, it hasn't been able to cover costs. That leaves Pope Leo XIV facing challenges to drum up the funds needed to pull his city-state out of the red. Anyone can donate money to the Vatican, but the regular sources come in two main forms. Canon law requires bishops around the world to pay an annual fee, with amounts varying and at bishops' discretion 'according to the resources of their dioceses.' U.S. bishops contributed over one-third of the $22 million (19.3 million euros) collected annually under the provision from 2021-2023, according to Vatican data. The other main source of annual donations is more well-known to ordinary Catholics: Peter's Pence, a special collection usually taken on the last Sunday of June. From 2021-2023, individual Catholics in the U.S. gave an average $27 million (23.7 million euros) to Peter's Pence, more than half the global total. American generosity hasn't prevented overall Peter's Pence contributions from cratering. After hitting a high of $101 million (88.6 million euros) in 2006, contributions hovered around $75 million (66.8 million euros) during the 2010's then tanked to $47 million (41.2 million euros) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many churches were closed. Donations remained low in the following years, amid revelations of the Vatican's bungled investment in a London property, a former Harrod's warehouse that it hoped to develop into luxury apartments. The scandal and ensuing trial confirmed that the vast majority of Peter's Pence contributions had funded the Holy See's budgetary shortfalls, not papal charity initiatives as many parishioners had been led to believe. Peter's Pence donations rose slightly in 2023 and Vatican officials expect more growth going forward, in part because there has traditionally been a bump immediately after papal elections. The Vatican bank and the city state's governorate, which controls the museums, also make annual contributions to the pope. As recently as a decade ago, the bank gave the pope around 55 million euros ($62.7 million) a year to help with the budget. But the amounts have dwindled; the bank gave nothing specifically to the pope in 2023, despite registering a net profit of 30 million euros ($34.2 million), according to its financial statements. The governorate's giving has likewise dropped off. Some Vatican officials ask how the Holy See can credibly ask donors to be more generous when its own institutions are holding back. Leo will need to attract donations from outside the U.S., no small task given the different culture of philanthropy, said the Rev. Robert Gahl, director of the Church Management Program at Catholic University of America's business school. He noted that in Europe there is much less of a tradition (and tax advantage) of individual philanthropy, with corporations and government entities doing most of the donating or allocating designated tax dollars. Even more important is leaving behind the 'mendicant mentality' of fundraising to address a particular problem, and instead encouraging Catholics to invest in the church as a project, he said. Speaking right after Leo's installation ceremony in St. Peter's Square, which drew around 200,000 people, Gahl asked: 'Don't you think there were a lot of people there that would have loved to contribute to that and to the pontificate?' In the U.S., donation baskets are passed around at every Sunday Mass. Not so at the Vatican. The Vatican has 4,249 properties in Italy and 1,200 more in London, Paris, Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland. Only about one-fifth are rented at fair market value, according to the annual report from the APSA patrimony office, which manages them. Some 70% generate no income because they house Vatican or other church offices; the remaining 10% are rented at reduced rents to Vatican employees. In 2023, these properties only generated 35 million euros ($39.9 million) in profit. Financial analysts have long identified such undervalued real estate as a source of potential revenue. But Ward Fitzgerald, the president of the U.S.-based Papal Foundation, which finances papal charities, said the Vatican should also be willing to sell properties, especially those too expensive to maintain. Many bishops are wrestling with similar downsizing questions as the number of church-going Catholics in parts of the U.S. and Europe shrinks and once-full churches stand empty. Toward that end, the Vatican recently sold the property housing its embassy in Tokyo's high-end Sanbancho neighborhood, near the Imperial Palace, to a developer building a 13-story apartment complex, according to the Kensetsu News trade journal. Yet there has long been institutional reluctance to part with even money-losing properties. Witness the Vatican announcement in 2021 that the cash-strapped Fatebenefratelli Catholic hospital in Rome, run by a religious order, would not be sold. Pope Francis simultaneously created a Vatican fundraising foundation to keep it and other Catholic hospitals afloat. 'They have to come to grips with the fact that they own so much real estate that is not serving the mission of the church,' said Fitzgerald, who built a career in real estate private equity. ___ AP reporter Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

37 minutes ago
How the Vatican manages money and where Pope Leo XIV might find more
VATICAN CITY -- The world's smallest country has a big budget problem. The Vatican doesn't tax its residents or issue bonds. It primarily finances the Catholic Church's central government through donations that have been plunging, ticket sales for the Vatican Museums, as well as income from investments and an underperforming real estate portfolio. The last year the Holy See published a consolidated budget, in 2022, it projected 770 million euros ($878 million), with the bulk paying for embassies around the world and Vatican media operations. In recent years, it hasn't been able to cover costs. That leaves Pope Leo XIV facing challenges to drum up the funds needed to pull his city-state out of the red. Anyone can donate money to the Vatican, but the regular sources come in two main forms. Canon law requires bishops around the world to pay an annual fee, with amounts varying and at bishops' discretion 'according to the resources of their dioceses.' U.S. bishops contributed over one-third of the $22 million (19.3 million euros) collected annually under the provision from 2021-2023, according to Vatican data. The other main source of annual donations is more well-known to ordinary Catholics: Peter's Pence, a special collection usually taken on the last Sunday of June. From 2021-2023, individual Catholics in the U.S. gave an average $27 million (23.7 million euros) to Peter's Pence, more than half the global total. American generosity hasn't prevented overall Peter's Pence contributions from cratering. After hitting a high of $101 million (88.6 million euros) in 2006, contributions hovered around $75 million (66.8 million euros) during the 2010's then tanked to $47 million (41.2 million euros) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many churches were closed. Donations remained low in the following years, amid revelations of the Vatican's bungled investment in a London property, a former Harrod's warehouse that it hoped to develop into luxury apartments. The scandal and ensuing trial confirmed that the vast majority of Peter's Pence contributions had funded the Holy See's budgetary shortfalls, not papal charity initiatives as many parishioners had been led to believe. Peter's Pence donations rose slightly in 2023 and Vatican officials expect more growth going forward, in part because there has traditionally been a bump immediately after papal elections. The Vatican bank and the city state's governorate, which controls the museums, also make annual contributions to the pope. As recently as a decade ago, the bank gave the pope around 55 million euros ($62.7 million) a year to help with the budget. But the amounts have dwindled; the bank gave nothing specifically to the pope in 2023, despite registering a net profit of 30 million euros ($34.2 million), according to its financial statements. The governorate's giving has likewise dropped off. Some Vatican officials ask how the Holy See can credibly ask donors to be more generous when its own institutions are holding back. Leo will need to attract donations from outside the U.S., no small task given the different culture of philanthropy, said the Rev. Robert Gahl, director of the Church Management Program at Catholic University of America's business school. He noted that in Europe there is much less of a tradition (and tax advantage) of individual philanthropy, with corporations and government entities doing most of the donating or allocating designated tax dollars. Even more important is leaving behind the 'mendicant mentality' of fundraising to address a particular problem, and instead encouraging Catholics to invest in the church as a project, he said. Speaking right after Leo's installation ceremony in St. Peter's Square, which drew around 200,000 people, Gahl asked: 'Don't you think there were a lot of people there that would have loved to contribute to that and to the pontificate?' In the U.S., donation baskets are passed around at every Sunday Mass. Not so at the Vatican. The Vatican has 4,249 properties in Italy and 1,200 more in London, Paris, Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland. Only about one-fifth are rented at fair market value, according to the annual report from the APSA patrimony office, which manages them. Some 70% generate no income because they house Vatican or other church offices; the remaining 10% are rented at reduced rents to Vatican employees. In 2023, these properties only generated 35 million euros ($39.9 million) in profit. Financial analysts have long identified such undervalued real estate as a source of potential revenue. But Ward Fitzgerald, the president of the U.S.-based Papal Foundation, which finances papal charities, said the Vatican should also be willing to sell properties, especially those too expensive to maintain. Many bishops are wrestling with similar downsizing questions as the number of church-going Catholics in parts of the U.S. and Europe shrinks and once-full churches stand empty. Toward that end, the Vatican recently sold the property housing its embassy in Tokyo's high-end Sanbancho neighborhood, near the Imperial Palace, to a developer building a 13-story apartment complex, according to the Kensetsu News trade journal. Yet there has long been institutional reluctance to part with even money-losing properties. Witness the Vatican announcement in 2021 that the cash-strapped Fatebenefratelli Catholic hospital in Rome, run by a religious order, would not be sold. Pope Francis simultaneously created a Vatican fundraising foundation to keep it and other Catholic hospitals afloat. 'They have to come to grips with the fact that they own so much real estate that is not serving the mission of the church,' said Fitzgerald, who built a career in real estate private equity. ___


Boston Globe
an hour ago
- Boston Globe
How the Vatican manages money and where Pope Leo XIV might find more
That leaves Pope Leo XIV facing challenges to drum up the funds needed to pull his city-state out of the red. Withering donations Anyone can donate money to the Vatican, but the regular sources come in two main forms. Advertisement Canon law requires bishops around the world to pay an annual fee, with amounts varying and at bishops' discretion 'according to the resources of their dioceses.' U.S. bishops contributed over one-third of the $22 million (19.3 million euros) collected annually under the provision from 2021-2023, according to Vatican data. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The other main source of annual donations is more well-known to ordinary Catholics: Peter's Pence, a special collection usually taken on the last Sunday of June. From 2021-2023, individual Catholics in the U.S. gave an average $27 million (23.7 million euros) to Peter's Pence, more than half the global total. American generosity hasn't prevented overall Peter's Pence contributions from cratering. After hitting a high of $101 million (88.6 million euros) in 2006, contributions hovered around $75 million (66.8 million euros) during the 2010's then tanked to $47 million (41.2 million euros) during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many churches were closed. Advertisement Donations remained low in the following years, amid revelations of the Vatican's bungled investment in a London property, a former Harrod's warehouse that it hoped to develop into luxury apartments. The scandal and ensuing trial confirmed that the vast majority of Peter's Pence contributions had funded the Holy See's budgetary shortfalls, not papal charity initiatives as many parishioners had been led to believe. Peter's Pence donations rose slightly in 2023 and Vatican officials expect more growth going forward, in part because there has traditionally been a bump immediately after papal elections. New donors The Vatican bank and the city state's governorate, which controls the museums, also make annual contributions to the pope. As recently as a decade ago, the bank gave the pope around 55 million euros ($62.7 million) a year to help with the budget. But the amounts have dwindled; the bank gave nothing specifically to the pope in 2023, despite registering a net profit of 30 million euros ($34.2 million), according to its financial statements. The governorate's giving has likewise dropped off. Some Vatican officials ask how the Holy See can credibly ask donors to be more generous when its own institutions are holding back. Leo will need to attract donations from outside the U.S., no small task given the different culture of philanthropy, said the Rev. Robert Gahl, director of the Church Management Program at Catholic University of America's business school. He noted that in Europe there is much less of a tradition (and tax advantage) of individual philanthropy, with corporations and government entities doing most of the donating or allocating designated tax dollars. Advertisement Even more important is leaving behind the 'mendicant mentality' of fundraising to address a particular problem, and instead encouraging Catholics to invest in the church as a project, he said. Speaking right after Leo's installation ceremony in St. Peter's Square, which drew around 200,000 people, Gahl asked: 'Don't you think there were a lot of people there that would have loved to contribute to that and to the pontificate?' In the U.S., donation baskets are passed around at every Sunday Mass. Not so at the Vatican. Untapped real estate The Vatican has 4,249 properties in Italy and 1,200 more in London, Paris, Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland. Only about one-fifth are rented at fair market value, according to the annual report from the APSA patrimony office, which manages them. Some 70% generate no income because they house Vatican or other church offices; the remaining 10% are rented at reduced rents to Vatican employees. In 2023, these properties only generated 35 million euros ($39.9 million) in profit. Financial analysts have long identified such undervalued real estate as a source of potential revenue. But Ward Fitzgerald, the president of the U.S.-based Papal Foundation, which finances papal charities, said the Vatican should also be willing to sell properties, especially those too expensive to maintain. Many bishops are wrestling with similar downsizing questions as the number of church-going Catholics in parts of the U.S. and Europe shrinks and once-full churches stand empty. Toward that end, the Vatican recently sold the property housing its embassy in Tokyo's high-end Sanbancho neighborhood, near the Imperial Palace, to a developer building a 13-story apartment complex, according to the Kensetsu News trade journal. Advertisement Yet there has long been institutional reluctance to part with even money-losing properties. Witness the Vatican announcement in 2021 that the cash-strapped Fatebenefratelli Catholic hospital in Rome, run by a religious order, would not be sold. Pope Francis simultaneously created a Vatican fundraising foundation to keep it and other Catholic hospitals afloat. 'They have to come to grips with the fact that they own so much real estate that is not serving the mission of the church,' said Fitzgerald, who built a career in real estate private equity.