Pope Leo XIV now has a real chance to increase his wealth after he created history as the first American-born pontiff to be elected by the Catholic Church.
All his expenses will be provided by the Vatican, which is actually the smallest independent country in the world. However, whether he would accept the massive monthly stipend is the real question.
According to an exclusive report by RadarOnline.com, Pope Leo XIV is entitled to an estimated $33,000 in stipend every month. In addition, he will also receive some more perks, including his expenses that would be provided for by the Vatican itself. This means that the new head of the Roman Catholic Church will not have to pay for his accommodations, travel, food, clothing, health care, security, and any other essentials.
The tabloid reported that Leo XIV, who is now the leader of an estimated 1.4 billion Catholics across the world, also has access to a fleet of vehicles. He is being provided official residences and a handsome allowance for donations for his spiritual stewardship.
However, the 69-year-old pontiff already has plenty of dough at their disposal. As reported by RadarOnline, the Chicago-born pope has declined to take the stipend. This move is now being applauded as he follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Unlike the late leader of the Catholic Church, who lived far away from luxury, Leo XIV seems to be enjoying his fortune. For a long time, he lived a humble lifestyle just like Francis, who chose to reside at the modest Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse on Vatican grounds.
Pope Leo XIV’s new life of luxury: Breathtaking clifftop retreat, bulletproof Mercedes and a $520K gold ring https://t.co/lrEw9h15Yi pic.twitter.com/sDAXaLisz6
— New York Post (@nypost) May 9, 2025
The late Pope firmly denied staying at the traditional papal residence in the opulent Apostolic Palace. As Leo decides not to accept his wage, he can donate the monthly checks to charities.
The new Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is also tasked with overseeing a massive financial empire that includes Peter’s Pence. It is an annual contribution from global Catholics that generates more than $25 million every year as an effort to support and extend the Pope’s mission and charitable deeds.
The twist in the story is that if he accepts his monthly wage, Leo XIV might still have to pony up Donald Trump, that is unless he is granted a pass on filing tax returns in the United States.
View this post on Instagram
“U.S. tax law claims the right to tax all citizens on their worldwide income,” said Edward A. David, an assistant professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at King’s College London.
“There is no blanket exception for religious personnel nor for people who are diplomats/head of state for foreign countries such as the Vatican.”
Until and unless the U.S. officials give him a pass, Pope Leo XIV’s monthly stipend could witness a massive cut, that is, if he accepts the checks.
Scroll down for more images of Pope Leo XIV
