As the world marvels at the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ever ascend to the papacy, a surprising detail has emerged about his pay — and it’s leaving many stunned. According to Vatican insiders, the pope’s official salary is exactly zero dollars.
That’s right: despite overseeing 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide and managing the Vatican’s vast spiritual and administrative machinery, Pope Leo XIV will receive no personal salary. Instead, his needs — housing, travel, security, clothing, food — are covered entirely by the Vatican, and he has no private bank account or income.
BREAKING: Vatican confirms Pope Leo XIV will receive no salary. His living expenses are covered, but the papacy comes with “no paycheck.” https://t.co/7GxjOWrLdc #PopeLeoXIV pic.twitter.com/D7xLwWgEsB— BBC News (@BBCWorld) May 24, 2025
“It’s a calling, not a career,” a Vatican spokesperson told CNN. “The pope takes a vow of simplicity and service. His focus is on the global mission, not on personal wealth.”
The revelation has sparked a wave of fascination and debate online. Some have praised the model as a powerful contrast to the opulence often associated with global leaders, while others have criticized the Church’s immense wealth and questioned whether true simplicity is possible within the Vatican walls.
CNN: “The pope earns no salary — just the weight of the world on his shoulders.” Social media reacts to the financial details of Pope Leo XIV’s new role. https://t.co/LmEi1CmIdu #WorldNews pic.twitter.com/RR0f1v3yBi— CNN (@CNN) May 24, 2025
Fox News commentators wasted no time weighing in. Laura Ingraham remarked, “It’s fascinating that the leader of such a powerful institution takes no paycheck, but let’s not pretend the Vatican isn’t sitting on billions.” Meanwhile, MSNBC’s Joy Reid tweeted, “A reminder that Pope Leo XIV is stepping into a role of service, not self-enrichment — something many politicians could learn from.”
Joy Reid: “Pope Leo XIV makes $0 salary. Maybe some elected officials should take notes.” https://t.co/q7ZvPRyICb #MSNBC pic.twitter.com/DzXzlvjWDK— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 24, 2025
Social media erupted, with hashtags like #PopeSalary and #VaticanWealth trending worldwide. A viral tweet from @PopCrave summed up the mood: “Pope Leo XIV gets paid nothing. Meanwhile, CEOs cash $50M bonuses. Perspective, anyone?”
PopCrave: “Pope Leo XIV makes $0. CEOs make $50M. Let that sink in.” https://t.co/b6CRKvLjO9 #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/rYFMWIV2yW— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 24, 2025
As Pope Leo XIV steps into his role, the spotlight on his financial life is only growing — but insiders say the new pope is far more focused on addressing poverty, inequality, and the spiritual needs of millions, rather than any paycheck he won’t be collecting.
