When Robert Francis Prevost was named the first American pope, the announcement made headlines around the globe and sparked countless conversations not only about the future of the Catholic Church but also about what this historic moment might mean for his personal life.

Among the many questions raised, one in particular stood out: how much does the Pope actually earn? While the Pope is one of the most globally recognized religious and political figures, the reality of his financial compensation might come as a surprise. Unlike most high-ranking officials or leaders, the Pope does not receive a traditional salary. Instead, the Vatican, which is the smallest independent state in the world, fully covers all his living expenses.

This includes housing, transportation, meals, healthcare, and security. Pope Leo XIV, like those who served before him, won’t be receiving a paycheck but will instead live a life where his every need is met by the Vatican. Though technically he may be eligible for a modest stipend—estimated to be around €2,500 or roughly $2,650 a month—this amount functions more as a symbolic figure than a real income. More importantly, Pope Leo XIV is expected to carry on the legacy of simplicity and humility demonstrated by his predecessor, Pope Francis. During his time leading the Church from 2013 to 2025, Pope Francis was widely known for his modest lifestyle and rejection of personal wealth. One well-known example of this came in 2017 when he received a gift in the form of a luxury Lamborghini Huracán valued at nearly $950,000. Rather than keeping the extravagant vehicle, Pope Francis chose to auction it and donate the proceeds to charitable causes, reinforcing his commitment to using his position for service rather than status.

His admiration for Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of poverty, inspired many of these decisions. He famously declined to live in the grand Apostolic Palace, choosing instead to reside in the simpler Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse within Vatican City. Pope Leo XIV is widely expected to continue along this same path, focusing on spiritual guidance and service rather than material gain. Even though the Pope doesn’t receive a paycheck in the conventional sense, the resources available to him are significant. Reports have estimated Pope Francis’s net worth to be as high as $12 million, but this figure mostly reflects his access to Church assets and Vatican-funded services, not personal wealth.

These resources are used to carry out papal duties, support charitable missions, and assist those in need, not to provide personal luxuries. During his tenure, Pope Francis directed funds toward numerous causes, including a donation of $215,000 to help prisoners in Rome. These actions reflect the broader mission of the papacy, which is to serve, uplift, and advocate for the marginalized. The Vatican’s financial ecosystem is supported by various income sources, including global Catholic donations, revenue from tourism, and profits from the Vatican Museums. Although exact numbers are not publicly disclosed, the CIA World Factbook once estimated the Vatican’s annual revenue to be around $315 million, with expenditures reaching approximately $348 million in 2013. One of the more well-known forms of financial support is Peter’s Pence, an annual collection from Catholics worldwide that brings in an estimated $25 million each year. The largest donations tend to come from countries such as the United States, Germany, and Italy. Despite these significant contributions, the Vatican has not been immune to financial challenges. In 2023, it reported an operating deficit of $90 million, raising concerns over the sustainability of its employee pension funds. In response, Pope Francis enacted cost-cutting measures in 2021, including reducing the salaries of cardinals and bishops in an effort to promote financial responsibility and transparency within the Church. While the papacy may not offer a traditional salary, it comes with substantial institutional support and influence, yet it demands a lifestyle centered on faith, humility, and service. Pope Leo XIV, stepping into this sacred role, is expected to uphold these values, focusing on the needs of others and the spiritual mission of the Church. As the first American pope, his choices will undoubtedly be watched closely, but if he follows in the footsteps of those before him, his time as pope will be defined not by wealth but by a deep commitment to compassion, humility, and global leadership grounded in service.