Annual allowance for the new Catholic Church Head consists of three coins.
The Upcoming Pope: What's the Going Rate for the Pope's Job?
Get ready, Catholics worldwide, as the announcement of the new pontiff looms, expected in mid-May 2025. The next Conclave, scheduled for May 7, 2025, may not exceed five days, following a century of tradition. But unlike past Popes, the salary for this spiritual leader might just be a secret.
While the previous pontiff, Francis, declined his salary, opting for more modest living arrangements, the Vatican still dishes out a generous 140 million euros each year on employee salaries and bonuses. Approximately $32,000 per month might be what's in store for the new Pope, but the exact figure remains under wraps.
Residing in the Apostolic Palace is out of the question for the upcoming Pope. Francis opted for a Vatican hotel for bishops and cardinals, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, throughout his pontificate. Farewell, luxurious limousines and hello to more cost-effective rides – the Pope's got to watch his pennies.
Meanwhile, the Vatican adds to its coffers through subsidies from the Italian state, including free water supply, tax exemptions, and targeted state funding. But even with the generous salary and perks, some cardinals still struggle to make ends meet.
But what about the big question – can Donald Trump don the papal attire? In theory, since he's a baptized Catholic male, he could theoretically become the Pope. However, he'd be far from the typical choice. The cardinals at a conclave have historically elected Popes from among their ranks. Trump's lack of clerical background means he'd have a steep hill to climb to reach the papal throne. Time to hit the books, Trump – or convert to Catholicism and start climbing the ecclesiastical ladder. But we suspect the odds might be stacked against him.
[1] Catholic Church. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church[2] Pope. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope[3] Pope (Catholic Church). (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_%28Catholic_Church%29[4] Pope: Election and termination. (n.d.). Retrieved October 28, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope:_Election_and_termination
The question of the Pope's salary remains a mystery, given the previous Pope's preference for modest living and the Vatican's focus on finance, politics, and general-news matters. Interestingly, the qualifications for becoming a Pope, such as being a baptized Catholic male, are also topics of discussion in the realm of business and politics, particularly in relation to figures like Donald Trump.
