Salaries, benefits… How much do cardinals really earn?
In a moment that grabbed the world’s attention, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, May 8, 2025—a sign that a new pope has been chosen. This time-honored ritual (one that has been part of Catholic tradition for centuries) marks a big change for the Church. The newly elected leader, Leon xiv, takes over after Pope Francis passed away just 17 days ago. Cardinals from around the globe gathered in Rome for the conclave that crowned him, reminding everyone how the papacy still keeps a strong hold on millions.
Picking pope leon xiv
Electing a pope is always a global spectacle filled with intricate rituals and traditions. In Rome, cardinals from all corners of the world came together, and their choice fell on Robert Francis Prevost, who will now be known as Leon xiv. His election comes at a time when the Church is juggling a host of both internal and external challenges. With a background steeped in experience and commitment, Leon xiv is set to steer the Church through these stormy waters.
Being pope isn’t just about symbolism; it’s a job loaded with responsibilities that touch millions of lives. As the spiritual head, Leon xiv will be tackling issues like social justice, interfaith cooperation, and updating church practices while still keeping the old traditions alive.
Money matters for cardinals
Even though the spotlight is usually on spiritual leadership, it helps to know a bit about the money side of things at the Vatican. Back in 2021, Pope Francis cut the cardinals’ salaries by 10% to help manage the Vatican’s tight budget (a budget squeezed by some controversial investments and the fallout from the pandemic).
Cardinals living in Rome typically pocket between 4,000 and 5,000 euros net per month. This amount can shift based on roles—for example, a prefect of a dicastery or a cardinal secretary of state might see different numbers. Some even get extra perks if they’re on diplomatic missions or handling administrative duties. Besides their paychecks, cardinals enjoy perks like official housing near Vatican City, full medical coverage provided by the Pontifical State, company cars with drivers for official trips, and sometimes even household staff that include cooks.
How clergy pay compares around the world
When it comes to pay, clergy earnings differ widely by region and rank within the Church. Take France, for example: diocesan priests there make between 950 and 1,200 euros net per month, which reflects a life built around simplicity—something that their vows of poverty or sobriety often demand.
On the other hand, archbishops in France typically earn between 3,500 and 4,000 euros net per month, depending on their diocese and duties. Bishops get about 3,000 euros net per month. These numbers show clear differences not just by rank but also because of the local economic scene.
Looking abroad, the differences continue. In Belgium, for instance, the Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels takes home roughly 8,466 euros gross per month and enjoys extras like official housing and transportation (including a driver-led car).
Thinking about church leadership
The rise of Pope Leon xiv ushers in a fresh chapter for church leadership, one that holds deep meaning for Catholics all over the globe. With modern society throwing some tough challenges—from moral puzzles linked to tech advances to rising geopolitical tensions—he’s stepping into a role where he’ll have to guide the Church through some pretty complicated situations.
Taking a closer look at both the spiritual and money sides of Church management gives us a real sense of how religious organizations work while trying to balance old-school traditions with today’s realities. The Catholic Church, one of the world’s oldest institutions, continues to adapt as it faces the ever-changing world around us.