How much did the new Pope Leo XIV earn before being elected Pontiff?

Pope Leo XIV, recently elected as the leader of the Catholic Church, doesn't receive a monthly salary for his role as Supreme Pontiff. As the head of the Vatican State, his maintenance is fully covered by the Holy See, which takes care of his food, residence, medical attention, and personal security.

However, before assuming the throne of Peter, the then Cardinal Robert Prevost held a significant position in the Roman Curia, which granted him a substantial monthly remuneration. As part of the ecclesiastical structure, he received a salary that aligned with the responsibilities he performed within the Vatican.

How much did Cardinal Robert Prevost earn?

Prior to his appointment as Pope, Robert Prevost earned between 4,000 and 5,000 euros monthly.This figure, however, was cut in 2021 by decision of Pope Francis, who issued a decree that applied a 10% reduction to the salaries of high ecclesiastical officials as part of an economic adjustment.

Despite not receiving a salary as Supreme Pontiff, Leo XIV is not in a precarious situation. It is estimated that his net worth, considering access to goods and services provided by the Vatican, amounts to about 12 million pounds sterling.

Salaries in the Vatican: bishops, priests, and laypeople

The bishops and priests who are part of the ecclesiastical structure receive monthly salaries ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 euros. In the case of lay workers who perform administrative, technical, or security functions within the Vatican, their remunerations are equivalent to those of Italian public employees.

The salaries of these employees vary according to position and seniority, and range from 1,200 to 3,000 euros per month. Additionally, they enjoy additional benefits such as access to housing within the Vatican territory, medical coverage, and discounts in internal stores that offer lower prices than the Roman market.

Who pays the salaries in the Vatican?

The Roman Curia is the central body that administers the Catholic Church. This set of dicasteries and offices is responsible for assisting the Pope in his pastoral work and managing the payment of salaries to clergy members and Vatican employees.

The economic support of the Vatican comes from various sources. One of the most important is the Peter's Pence, an annual collection made by Catholic faithful worldwide to support the Pope's charitable works.

This is complemented by income caused by religious tourism: millions of people visit the Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica annually, resulting in a constant influx of money from ticket sales, souvenirs, and donations.