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Inside Pope Leo XIV’s Lavish New Life: $520K Gold Ring, Bulletproof Benz, and a Palace on a Cliff

Published on: May 12, 2025 at 11:51 PM ET

From Peru’s jungles to the Vatican’s throne, Pope Leo XIV steps into power with riches.

Divya Verma
Written By Divya Verma
Senior Editor
Archana Shenoy
Edited By Archana Shenoy
Managing Editor
Pope Leo
The new Pope will be formally installed in St Peter's Square on May 18, Sunday. (Image Credit: GlobeEyeNews/ X.Com)

Now it is the time to get ready for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is now poised to be the new pope of the catholic church. Pope Leo XIV will be the first person from North America to hold this office. He has spent his growing years in the suburbs of Chicago. It has been a momentous journey for the Pope from Chicago to the Vatican.

This is an important new chapter for the Vatican and the faithful around the world. His impending installation ceremony will mark it. The installation ceremony is expected to be both incredibly spectacular and steeped in tradition.

Once living a life of humility, Pope Leo will now live in the opulence of papal traditions and ceremonies.

Like all the monks of Christianity, Pope Leo XIV devoted his life to helping the underprivileged and disenfranchised. His life was full of service and charity before ascending to the top position in the Catholic Church. His commitment to his duties as a pastor and his compassion towards those who need help have been visible throughout his missionary work. He has spent a long time working for the underprivileged in the isolated areas of Peru.

However, his move to the top position in the Vatican now puts him in a very different environment. The papal palace is unlike the facilities that Pope Leo would have been used to. It is characterized by enormous material and symbolic wealth.

There are a few key pieces the Pope will be seen wearing once taking over the papal office and responsibilities. Among the garb is the jewellery.

During the inauguration, Pope Leo XIV will wear the Fisherman’s Ring. It is a potent emblem of papal authority. The ring is made of 24-karat gold and is estimated to be worth $520,000. It has the name of the Pope and St. Peter the Apostle engraved on it. This ring is the symbol of spiritual continuity between the newly elected pope and the apostle Peter.

Pope Leo XIV will also have access to Vatican City’s lavish Apostolic Palace. However, he may decide to live in Castel Gandolfo. It is the Church’s charming 135-acre retreat with a view of Lake Albano. Castel Gandolfo is famous for its serene gardens and expansive cliffside views. It has served as a summer retreat for numerous popes throughout history.

Pope Leo XIV will also inherit a state-of-the-art, electric Mercedes-Benz Popemobile. This vehicle is the silent statement of the magnificent luxury of the papal office. This handcrafted car is bulletproof and is believed to be worth $500,000.

It was developed with both security and style in mind. It illustrates how tradition, technical advancement, and public involvement are all blended together in the modern Church.

Pope Leo XIV has long been known for his dedication and humility. Pope Francis, his predecessor, was also well regarded for choosing a more modest lifestyle. He has rejected many papal luxuries. Pope Leo XIV is also expected to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis famously chose to live in the Vatican’s guesthouse instead of the palace. However, it is unclear if Pope Leo XIV would do the same. He is required to make choices similar to Pope Francis’s since Pope Francis had taken a vow of poverty. Pope Leo is free to make his own choices.

His choice between living in the Apostolic Palace or Castel Gandolfo is still unclear., It will be influenced by his personal beliefs and outlook on the Church’s future.

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