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US - UK Entertainment 19/05/2025 22:00

No Paycheck, No Problem: What Pope Leo XIV Will Receive as the New Leader of the Catholic Church

Despite overseeing the spiritual lives of more than a billion Catholics and heading a sovereign state, the Pope receives no conventional salary—a tradition expected to continue with newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
He leads the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, represents the global face of the Roman Catholic Church, and governs the smallest independent nation on earth—the Vatican. Yet the Pope does not receive a standard salary for his duties.
Instead, the Vatican fully funds the Pope’s lifestyle, covering his housing, meals, healthcare, travel, and security—regardless of who holds the office. This tradition is not expected to change with the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, who has been outspoken on social justice and immigration issues.
The new Pope, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, has criticized the Trump administration's moves on immigration repeatedly and expressed support for progressive causes
During his 12-year papacy from 2013 to 2025, Pope Francis was known for his humility and devotion to a life of simplicity. He famously refused any personal income, even though technically the Pope is entitled to an estimated salary of around €2,500 a month (approximately £2,150). His decision was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing a clear break from materialism and aligning with the vow of poverty.

Although earlier pontiffs might have been eligible for modest salaries, the role has never been associated with personal financial gain. Instead, popes are provided with a life free from personal expenses—essentially an all-inclusive support system granted by the Vatican.

Traditionally, popes reside in the Apostolic Palace, an architectural masterpiece steeped in centuries of history. But Pope Francis opted to remain in the more modest Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse within Vatican grounds—yet another reflection of his minimalist values.

While the Pope may not earn a wage, he is certainly not impoverished. Reports estimate Pope Francis’s net worth at around £12 million, largely attributed to his access to Vatican-funded privileges and symbolic assets—rather than personal fortune. These include official residences, transport fleets, and a sizable charitable budget. For instance, Francis once donated €200,000 to inmates at a Roman prison.

Pope Francis meets with his predecessor, the former Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, November 2020. The pair's relationship was depicted in 2019 film Two Popes

Nevertheless, these resources are not for personal luxury. Papal responsibilities are deeply rooted in spiritual leadership, not financial accumulation. The role is considered one of lifelong service, as demonstrated by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who remained within Vatican City until his death in 2022, even after his resignation in 2013.

The Vatican itself operates on a complex financial ecosystem. Revenue comes from donations, investments, and tourism, particularly the Vatican Museums. One of the most well-known donation channels is Peter’s Pence, an annual global collection that brings in around £20 million each year—largely contributed by the United States, Germany, and Italy.
Despite its seemingly vast resources, the Vatican’s financial health has been unstable. In 2023, the Church reported a £70 million operating deficit, raising serious concerns from Pope Francis about the sustainability of its pension fund for Vatican employees.

In light of these pressures—and following the global economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—Pope Francis initiated sweeping financial reforms in 2021. These included salary reductions across Church leadership:

  • Cardinals, previously earning €4,000–€5,500/month, faced a 10% pay cut

  • Bishops saw their income reduced to around €3,000/month

  • Ordinary priests in Rome now earn approximately €1,200/month

Monks and nuns, who often take vows of poverty, typically receive no salary unless assigned to administrative positions.
Additionally, Pope Francis curtailed the tradition of offering subsidized Vatican apartments to high-ranking clergy—part of a broader initiative to instill transparency and curb overspending within the Church’s hierarchy.
About the Key Figures:
  • Pope Leo XIV: Newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Known for progressive views, especially on immigration and social issues. He succeeds Pope Francis and is expected to continue the Vatican’s recent trajectory of humility and reform.
  • Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio): Served as the 266th pope from 2013 to 2025. Hailing from Argentina, he was the first Jesuit and first Latin American to hold the papacy. Francis emphasized social justice, interfaith dialogue, and simplicity.
  • Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger): Served from 2005 until his resignation in 2013, the first pope in nearly 600 years to voluntarily step down. He lived within the Vatican as “Pope Emeritus” until his passing in 2022.

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