The True Earnings of Pope Leo XIV: What Does the First American Pontiff Make?

While there is currently no Pope Leo XIV, and the Catholic Church has yet to crown a “first American pontiff,” it’s a fascinating thought experiment to consider the financial life of such a spiritual leader. The concept of a Pope’s earnings is quite different from that of a CEO, a politician, or even a typical employee. Instead of a personal income, the Pope’s financial situation is intrinsically linked to the complex, centuries-old financial structure of the Vatican, all of which is dedicated to a higher purpose.

The Role of the Pope and the Non-Existent Salary

The Pope is the spiritual head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, the Bishop of Rome, and the sovereign of Vatican City State. This is a role of profound service and humility. In this capacity, the Pope does not receive a salary in the traditional sense of a wage deposited into a bank account. Instead, the Vatican organization provides for all of the Pope’s personal needs. This comprehensive support includes everything required for their daily life and official duties, such as housing in the Apostolic Palace, food, clothing, and all necessary travel and security arrangements. Any gifts or financial donations given to the Pope personally are almost always redirected to charitable causes or used to support the broader operations of the Vatican.

If we were to imagine a hypothetical scenario where Pope Leo XIV—a fictional first American pope—had “earnings,” they would likely be tied to the following areas, none of which would result in personal wealth.

1. The Symbolic Stipend and the Embrace of Simplicity

Popes have historically received a very small stipend for personal expenses, but this amount is negligible and is often donated back to charity. For example, Pope Francis reportedly receives around €30–€40 (approximately $35–$45 USD) per month. This tiny sum is not a salary but a symbolic gesture for any minor personal purchases the Pope might wish to make, though Pope Francis has a well-known practice of donating even this amount. This tradition of living simply is a core aspect of the papal office, and Pope Leo XIV would undoubtedly follow suit, with his “earnings” serving as a testament to humility rather than a source of wealth.

2. The Vast Finances of the Vatican

As the leader of the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV would be responsible for overseeing the Holy See’s finances, which are derived from a diverse range of sources. However, these are institutional funds for the church’s mission, not the Pope’s personal assets. These sources include:

• Donations: A major source of income is from the faithful around the globe, notably through “Peter’s Pence,” which is a collection of contributions from Catholic dioceses worldwide used to fund the Pope’s charitable works and the administrative costs of the Holy See.
• Investments: The Vatican holds a portfolio of investments and properties around the world. These assets, managed by the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), are meant to generate income to support the church’s global mission, from running dioceses to funding missionary work.
• Museum Revenue: The Vatican Museums, which house some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, including the Sistine Chapel, are a significant source of income. Millions of visitors pay entrance fees each year, with the profits contributing to the Vatican’s budget.
• Other Ventures: Additional revenue streams come from the sale of Vatican-themed stamps and coins, as well as royalties from official books and publications, which are all used to fund the church’s various activities and projects.

Pope Leo XIV would oversee the management of these funds, but as the head of a non-profit spiritual organization, he would not personally benefit from them.

3. Charitable Contributions Above All Else

In line with the Catholic Church’s mission, it’s a near certainty that Pope Leo XIV would dedicate any monetary offerings received toward global humanitarian efforts. This aligns with the papal mandate to serve the poor and marginalized. These efforts might include:

• Humanitarian Aid: Providing support for communities devastated by natural disasters, war, or poverty.
• Educational Initiatives: Funding schools, universities, and seminaries in developing nations to provide educational opportunities.
• Healthcare Services: Supporting hospitals, clinics, and medical missions that provide care to those without access to it.
• Interfaith and Peace-Building Projects: Using funds to foster dialogue and cooperation between different religious groups and promote peace around the world.

The focus would be on directing resources to where they are needed most, rather than accumulating personal wealth.

4. Royalties from Publications and Public Appearances

If the fictional Pope Leo XIV were to author books or provide public speeches outside of his official duties, any potential royalties or speaking fees would, in keeping with papal tradition, be donated entirely to charity.

• Pope Benedict XVI, for instance, authored several bestselling books during and after his papacy, with all profits going to the Vatican’s official charities.
• Pope Francis similarly waived all royalties from his books and publications, ensuring the money was used to help those in need.

This practice reinforces the idea that a Pope’s work is for the benefit of all, not for personal financial gain.

5. A Lifestyle of Simplicity

A Pope’s lifestyle is purposefully spartan. The Apostolic Palace, while grand, is the official residence and office; it is not a private luxury home. The daily life of a Pope is dedicated to prayer, administrative duties, pastoral care, and meeting with world leaders and the faithful. The focus is on leading by example through simplicity and compassion, and there are no extravagant personal luxuries. The Pope’s needs are met to ensure he can carry out his sacred duties effectively, but not for personal comfort or status.

So, How Much Does the Fictional Pope Leo XIV Make?

To put it plainly, the “earnings” of Pope Leo XIV would amount to practically zero in the personal sense.

• Personal Income: Any small stipend or gifts would be donated to charity, not kept for personal use.
• Oversight of Vatican Assets: While responsible for managing billions in assets and annual revenue, none of this money would belong to the Pope personally. It would be entirely for the service of the global church.
• Legacy Over Wealth: A Pope’s true “earnings” are not measured in dollars or euros, but rather in their spiritual and humanitarian impact on the world. Their legacy is defined by their acts of service, not by their financial holdings.

If Pope Leo XIV were ever to be crowned, his commitment to faith, justice, and humility would far outweigh any financial considerations. The papacy is a role of shepherding over one billion Catholics across the globe, not a position of material wealth.