The new Pope earns more than the U.S. President—Here’s the shocking salary

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The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has made history twice.

Not only is he the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, but he’s also assumed a role that comes with significant attention for its spiritual weight and its financial compensation.

As Pope Leo XIV takes the helm of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, many are curious: How much is the pope paid, and what benefits does he receive?

Does the Pope get paid?

According to the Associated Press, popes aren’t given a traditional salary. Instead, the Vatican takes care of all their living expenses, including housing, meals, security, transportation, and even ceremonial clothing.

Even though the papacy is first and foremost a spiritual calling, he is also entitled to a monthly wage, and the numbers are eye-catching. If Pope Leo XIV chooses to accept the full salary offered by the Vatican, he’ll earn €30,000 a month, which is equivalent to about $33,800, or roughly $405,600 a year. This amount rivals or even surpasses the annual earnings of many global leaders, including the President of the United States.

Aside from the salary, the pontiff is also given an allowance to make charitable donations. However, it’s worth noting that salary acceptance is optional. Pope Francis, for instance, famously declined his paycheck and asked that the funds be used for charitable efforts instead. As Daniel Rober, a professor of Catholic studies at Sacred Heart University, pointed out, the papacy isn’t a traditional job, it’s a spiritual and moral responsibility that transcends financial gain.

Financial perks and support for the pope

The pope’s salary is just one part of the package. The sacred position also comes with perks that accompany the office. Some of the benefits include:

Luxury Housing: The Pope resides in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, rent-free, with personal staff and housekeeping services provided.
Free Meals and Essentials: All daily needs are covered by the Church, allowing the pope to focus solely on spiritual leadership.
The Pope’s mobile and Private Transport: A fleet of Vatican vehicles is at his disposal, including the iconic Pope mobile used during public appearances.
Top-Tier Healthcare: The Pope enjoys comprehensive healthcare and access to a private Vatican pharmacy.
Custom Wardrobe: From liturgical robes to everyday wear, the pope’s wardrobe is tailor-made and fully sponsored.
Travel Expenses: All international and domestic travel expenses—flights, accommodations, and security—are paid for by the Vatican when the pope travels on official duties.

These extensive benefits reflect not luxury for luxury’s sake, but an effort to remove worldly distractions so the pontiff can serve his global flock effectively.

Retirement benefits

While popes don’t typically retire often, recent history, like the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, has shown that it’s possible. If Pope Leo XIV steps down, he’ll still be well cared for. The Vatican offers retired popes a monthly pension of about €2,500 (roughly $3,300), in addition to full support for housing, meals, healthcare, and personal needs.

Retired popes often continue to live within Vatican walls in peace, security, and reflection, surrounded by caretakers and spiritual advisors.

Does the Pope have personal wealth?

Despite the prestigious position and global influence, the pope does not accumulate personal wealth. He doesn’t receive a traditional salary or maintain a personal fortune. Instead, the pope is fully supported by the Vatican’s financial system, which covers all his living, travel, and ceremonial expenses.

Any gifts or monetary donations sent to the pope are not considered personal property. These offerings are typically redirected to charitable causes or managed through the Apostolic Almoner, the papal office responsible for distributing aid to those in need. In essence, the wealth surrounding the papacy serves the Church and its mission, not the personal gain of the pope.

Though the six-figure salary and VIP perks are headline-worthy, most within the Church and Catholic community emphasise that the real “value” of the papacy lies in its spiritual impact. The wealth of support ensures that the pope can focus on leading with integrity, wisdom, and compassion, without financial burdens or distractions.

As Pope Leo XIV steps into this momentous role, the world watches not just a historic first for America, but also a new chapter for the Catholic Church, a sacred responsibility to guide over a billion Catholics through faith, moral leadership, and compassion.

The generous salary and perks are tools to help him carry out this mission, not rewards, but resources. In the end, what matters most isn’t the paycheck, but the purpose.