In the wake of Pope Francis' passing on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, the world continues to reflect on the legacy of the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church. But alongside the global mourning comes a curiosity that has long followed the papacy: how much does the pope earn? As spiritual head of over a billion Catholics worldwide, the role comes with immense responsibility—but does it come with a paycheque?
Reports from The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, and Marca reveal that the traditional monthly salary for a pope is pegged at $32,000, which translates to roughly ₱1.8 million. Yet, in a move that underscores the humility that defined his tenure, Pope Francis never accepted this salary. Instead, the Argentinian-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio—known before his papal ascension for his simple lifestyle—chose to donate the funds back to the Church or allow them to support charitable foundations.
Pope Francis’ decision to reject the salary is not entirely surprising when viewed through the lens of his Jesuit background. Members of the Jesuit order take vows of poverty, and Bergoglio’s actions were consistent with this lifelong commitment. In fact, the Vatican had already confirmed back in 2001 that he never took any personal financial compensation for his Church duties.
Had he accepted the full salary from the time he became pope in March 2013 up to his passing in April 2025, Pope Francis would have earned an estimated $4.64 million, or approximately ₱261 million. But true to his reputation, he remained a symbol of modest living and spiritual dedication, choosing service over personal gain.
The Vatican, however, ensures that the pope’s needs are entirely met without a direct salary. The role comes with a permanent residence within Vatican City, access to five vehicles, and travel arrangements for his global duties. These provisions are not classified as income but rather logistical necessities for the demanding nature of the papal mission.
As the Catholic community prepares for Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26 and looks ahead to the conclave that will elect his successor, the spotlight briefly shifts from spiritual matters to the human curiosity surrounding leadership and compensation. It is a reminder that even the most sacred roles come with worldly questions—but Pope Francis' choices offer a profound lesson in simplicity and stewardship.
With global attention now focused on the Vatican, many are revisiting films like Conclave and The Two Popes, reigniting discussions on the nature of spiritual leadership in a modern world. What remains clear is that Pope Francis’ refusal of the traditional papal salary adds another layer to his enduring legacy—one marked not by wealth, but by will, humility, and purpose.
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