It was in Michael's nature to be manipulative--he was the past master at it--so it's hardly surprising that he manipulated Mary toward his own legitimization. The Robber Barons of the Industrial Age did that, too--John D. Rockefeller wasn't president of the Rockefeller Foundation, his son was. Michael learned the fundamental truth: in America, money washes away sins, but it has to be shown publicly, and by someone not directly connected to acquiring it.

I don't believe Foundation money was used to acquire Immobiliare--Federal law says you can't use tax-exempt Foundation money for any other than charitable purposes. But there's no doubt that Foundation largesse bought the Vatican's approval for the deal.