How Much Do Vatican Cardinals and the Pope Really Earn?

When we think of powerful positions in global religion, few roles are more iconic than that of the Pope or a Vatican Cardinal. But ever wondered how much these figures actually earn? 

It’s a fair question, especially considering the Catholic Church’s global influence, centuries-old traditions, and well-preserved secrecy. Recent reports have finally pulled back the curtain a bit, revealing what the salaries of the Vatican’s top-ranking clergy really look like and what’s changing under financial reforms.

Cardinals’ Earnings?Cardinals who head departments within the Vatican typically earn between €4,000 and €5,000 each month. That’s roughly between ₦6.7 million and ₦8.4 million in Nigerian currency more than many jobs, but still far from the kind of wealth associated with top executives or global leaders.

However, these figures come with context. These salaries are often used to cover administrative costs, including hiring personal aides and secretaries. It’s not just a paycheck; it’s a working budget.

But things have been tightening. Under recent reforms introduced by Pope Francis, these salaries were cut by 10%, with additional monthly allowances of €500 completely removed. The goal? To enforce a culture of simplicity and financial discipline across the Church’s leadership.

The Pope’s Salary? You Might Be SurprisedTechnically, the Pope earns around $32,000 a year. But Pope Francis, true to his humble reputation, refused to collect this salary at all. Throughout his papacy, he lived in modest quarters, often declined luxurious privileges, and made it clear he was not in it for the money.

This choice wasn’t just symbolic, it reflected his wider push to clean up the Church’s finances. Francis repeatedly spoke against material excess within Church leadership and encouraged a leaner, more focused Vatican administration.

What you should knowThese salary changes are part of a broader effort to bring the Vatican’s books into balance. Pope Francis launched a “zero deficit” agenda aimed at curbing unnecessary spending. This reform has become even more necessary following financial strains from the COVID-19 pandemic, which slashed tourism revenue, especially from the highly profitable Vatican Museums.

In fact, the Vatican operates two distinct financial systems, one for Vatican City (the physical territory), and another for the Holy See (the administrative and spiritual center). 

Income from the museums and other sources in Vatican City often helps balance deficits in the Holy See’s operations. It’s a complex balancing act that requires careful management.

Before his death, Pope Francis made it clear that financial reform was just as spiritual as it was practical. He urged cardinals to embrace “essentiality”, a philosophy of only spending on what is truly necessary. 

This meant slashing subsidised rents for senior officials and encouraging a return to simple living.

His reforms weren’t about punishment, but about setting a tone: one that echoed his entire tenure — humility, service, and transparency.