How The Vatican Built A Secret Property Empire Using Mussolini's Millions

How The Vatican Built A Secret Property Empire Using Mussolini's Millions
Far-right militants make ths fascist salute at the tomb of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini during a rally marking the 90th anniversary of the 'march on Rome' on October 28, 2012 in Predappio. The rally was organized in Predappio, where Italian fascit dictator Benito Mussolini was born and is buried, to mark the 90th anniversary of the 'March on Rome', the beginning of his dictatorship. AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images)
Far-right militants make ths fascist salute at the tomb of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini during a rally marking the 90th anniversary of the 'march on Rome' on October 28, 2012 in Predappio. The rally was organized in Predappio, where Italian fascit dictator Benito Mussolini was born and is buried, to mark the 90th anniversary of the 'March on Rome', the beginning of his dictatorship. AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images)

Few passing London tourists would ever guess that the premises of Bulgari, the upmarket jewellers in New Bond Street, had anything to do with the pope. Nor indeed the nearby headquarters of the wealthy investment bank Altium Capital, on the corner of St James's Square and Pall Mall.

But these office blocks in one of London's most expensive districts are part of a surprising secret commercial property empire owned by the Vatican.

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