Although the Pope has access to many benefits, these are not for personal gain. Pope Francis’s estimated net worth of £12 million reflects Vatican-funded services, not private riches.
Vatican funding comes from investments, tourism, museum revenue, and donations — with Peter’s Pence alone bringing in £20 million annually, mainly from Italy, Germany, and the U.S. Despite this, the Vatican ran a £70 million deficit in 2023. Francis responded with major pay cuts, including a 10% reduction in cardinal salaries.
Ordinary priests in Rome earn about €1,200 per month, bishops around €3,000. Monks and nuns, who take vows of poverty, usually receive no salary unless working in Church administration. In a further push for fairness, Francis ended subsidised housing for senior clergy.
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