The throne of the Holy See is no longer vacant! After several days of speculation and prayers, the 133 cardinals gathered last Wednesday in conclave, and it was this Thursday, May 8, 2025, after a quick but solemn process, that they lifted the veil on the mystery of The succession of pope Francis, who died on April 21.
To some surprise, it’s the American Robert Francis Prevost who was elected to guide the Catholic Church. He thus succeeds a pontificate marked by the opening and the reform.
The new pope, who will take the name of Léon XIVnow undertakes to assume this heavy responsibility … to the delight of his fellow citizen Barack Obama.
“Michelle and I congratulate a compatriot of Chicago, his holiness Pope Leo XIV. It is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as it begins the sacred task of directing the Catholic Church and giving the example to so many people, whatever their beliefs“wrote the former President of the United States on X (formerly Twitter). A message that aroused strong reactions.
Will Leon XIV receive a salary?
Barely elected, a mystery persists around the figure of Pope Leo XIV. Among the questions that haunt the spirits of the faithful and the curious, one stands out: Does the pope receive a salary to fulfill his functions of spiritual leader and sovereign pontiff? The answer, although surprising for some, is categorical: No, the Pope does not perceive remuneration. Indeed, his sacred mission and his role as head of state are exercised without monetary compensation.
-But do not be mistaken: it does not mean that the pope lives in extreme simplicity. If its pockets remain empty, It is the state of the Vatican that covers all its expensesfrom housing to transportation, passing by meals and safety. These colossal costs are integrated into the annual budget of the Holy See, which borders on the billion euros, reports Gala. Thus, it is the whole of the city of the Vatican, supported by the income of the Church, which takes care of what is necessary for the mission of the Pope.
Although the Pope does not receive an official salary, He can generate personal income. For example, Pope Benedict XVI had received 5 million euros from his theological publications in 2010, which he had largely donated to charities.
Pope Francis, on the other hand, had sold a Lamborghini in 2018 for 715,000 euros for the benefit of associations. In addition, the Pope has many privileges, including tax exemption and the guarantee of a retirement in the event of resignation.
