How much new Pope Leo will be paid as his salary is revealed
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, could receive a monthly stipend of €2,500 ($2,820) as head of the Catholic Church—a decrease from his previous cardinal salary. While the Vatican covers all his living expenses, the 69-year-old pope may follow his predecessor Francis’s humble example, having spent years as a missionary in Peru. Francis famously declined his $32,000 annual salary, living modestly in a guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace.
Known for his centrist views and global advocacy, Pope Leo is expected to prioritize charitable work, with access to significant donation funds. The Vatican’s economy, supported by donations like the U.S.-backed Peter’s Pence, ensures the pope’s needs are met without reliance on personal wealth. His early focus on peace and marginalized communities suggests he may continue Francis’s legacy of simplicity.
