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As Pope Leo XIV assumes his historic role, a practical but symbolic question looms: will he accept the salary formally due to the Bishop of Rome?
According to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, the answer is as yet uncertain, but it could give an indication of the style of his pontificate.
The Vatican provides for all the Pope’s material needs, including accommodation, food, health care, travel, and security.
In purely technical terms, the Pope is entitled to a monthly salary of around 2,500 euros. However, this sum is largely symbolic and is subject to each pontiff’s personal decision.
Pope Francis, who served from 2013 to 2025, famously renounced his salary entirely and lived a simple lifestyle, inspired by his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi. Vatican officials confirmed at the time that Francis had “actively renounced any salary.”
In another symbolic gesture, Francis also decided against moving into the opulent Apostolic Palace and instead chose the more modest guest house Domus Sanctae Marthae near St. Peter’s Basilica.
Despite renouncing an official income, a pope is not short on resources. The living expenses and support services available to the pontiff through Vatican institutions are reportedly estimated at around 14 million euros, not as personal assets but as institutional security.
A decision still to be made
It remains to be seen whether Pope Leo XIV, whose real name is Robert Prevost, will take the same path. His decision could send an early signal about the style and direction of his pontificate. Will he continue the tradition of papal modesty or reserve the – albeit symbolic – option of a modest salary?
- source: dagens.de/picture: vaticannews.va
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