The more the pontiff Leon XIV will be paid. Pope Francis refused any form of personal income
Although the Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he does not receive a traditional salary, however, the Vatican provides all the needs of the pontiff – from accommodation and food to travel, medical assistance and security.
Pope Francis/Photo: Getty Images
It was known that Francis refused any form of personal income during the time he was the head of the Church (2013-2025), writes the Daily Mail.
Although, from a technical point of view, the Pope has the right to a modest salary – estimated at about 2,500 euros per month, and Francis's decision reflects that of the saint to whose name, Saint Francis of Assisi and his commitment to simplicity and to the needy people.
Also, it is not known whether the previous popes had exaggerated salaries. Instead, the Vatican offers them all they need, that is, a life with all the expenses paid.
Although the pope does not receive a salary, he is far from lacking in the means. Estimates on Pope Francis's net assets, which include access to papal goods and services financed by the Vatican, are around 14 million Euro pounds.
He has access to a fleet of vehicles, official residences and a generous amount for charitable donations, such as when Pope Francis donated 200,000 euros to prisoners in a prison.
The Vatican provides its income with the help of donations, investments and revenues from tourism and from the Vatican museums. One of his best -known sources is the obol of Saint Peter – an annual collection from Catholics around the world, which generates about 20 million pounds a year.
The largest contributions come from the United States, Germany and Italy.
However, the Vatican's financial situation is far from being considered stable.
In 2023, the Vatican reported an amazing operational deficit, of 82 million euros, which caused Pope Francis's concern about the long -term viability of his pension fund for the Vatican employees.
In response to constant financial concerns – aggravated by Pandemic – Francis promulgated radical wage reductions in 2021.
The cardinals, which earned previously between 4,000 and 5,500 euros per month, saw their salary reduced by 10 %.
The bishops now receive about 3,000 euros per month, while the ordinary priests in Rome receive on average only 1,200 euros.
Also, Francis has taken measures to end the tradition of offering subsidized apartments to the Vatican to the high-ranking clergy, in an attempt to keep the expenses under control and to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and fairness.
Starting Thursday, May 8, Pope Leon XIV, previously known as Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American to climb the papal throne.
