Pope Leo XIV Elected as the Leader of the Roman Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV has been appointed as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, a position that includes a monthly salary of approximately $33,000. This compensation is comparable to the earnings of U.S. presidents and university chancellors. Additionally, the pontiff enjoys unique benefits such as complimentary meals, a Popemobile, and a private pharmacy.
Following the traditional signal of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was named as the new pope, marking the first time an American has held the position. This role not only signifies a great honor but also includes a notable six-figure salary.
The pope’s monthly earnings are €30,000 (around $33,800), totaling about $405,600 annually, according to Daniel Rober, a professor at Sacred Heart University. However, the role of the pope encompasses more spiritual responsibilities compared to other leadership positions. The late Pope Francis chose not to accept the generous salary, opting instead to donate it to those in need.
"There’s no certainty whether Pope Leo XIV will accept this salary," Rober informed Fortune. "Regardless, he will still benefit from Vatican amenities such as the Popemobile and a comfortable retirement."
Comparison with Salaries of U.S. Presidents and University Chancellors
The pope’s salary aligns closely with the earnings of U.S. presidents, who receive a $400,000 base salary along with additional allowances. This includes access to Air Force One, Marine One, and 24-hour Secret Service protection.
Similarly, the salaries of U.S. university chancellors fall within this range. Presidents of elite American universities can earn up to $1.5 million annually, although most chancellors earn between $250,000 to $372,000. Leaders of institutions like Northwestern University, University of Vermont, and Purdue University have base salaries near $400,000, similar to that of the pope.
Beyond financial compensation, high-profile positions often come with perks. For instance, Elon Musk receives no base salary but benefits from stock compensation and company-paid security. Similarly, Mark Zuckerberg’s salary is $1 annually, but his wealth has expanded significantly through investments.
Additional Perks of Being Pope
As the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, which comprises over a billion members, the pope enjoys various benefits provided by the Vatican. These include residing in the Apostolic Palace and having all expenses covered.
The pope’s daily needs, including meals and attire, are also taken care of, and he has access to the Popemobile and other vehicles. Security, healthcare, and retirement costs are fully managed by the Vatican, including access to medical services and a private pharmacy. Even in retirement, the pope will receive a monthly pension of €2,500 ($3,300), with living expenses, housing, and daily necessities covered by the Vatican.
