After days of intrigue and speculation, the new pope has been elected. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has made history by becoming the first pope from the United States. The 69-year-old picked his new papal name of Leo XIV, as he was announced as the new leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
More than 100 cardinals entered the Conclave on May 7 to elect the 267th pope after the death of Pope Francis. The process ended before the end of the second day as the white smoke came out of the chimney at the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd, who gave… pic.twitter.com/AqJcOpK5Ge
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025
Pope Francis was known to have a humble lifestyle. However, it is a known fact that the head of the Catholic Church gets comprehensive financial support from the Vatican. As Pope Leo XIV takes on the new responsibility, he will be entitled to certain incentives that can’t be compared to traditional salary.
The new pope will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis when it comes to following a simple and humble lifestyle. When Pope Francis was serving as the Head of the Church, he refused to take a personal salary.
What is the salary of Pope Leo XIV?
As per several reports, the pope is entitled to a monthly allowance of approximately €2,500. However, it’s important to note that the numbers are unverified and may vary.
The Vatican ensures that the pope gets everything he needs, which includes housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Pope Leo XIV will also get access to security, cars and travel. So, it’s safe to say that the position of Pope comes with all-inclusive perks. It is said that the pope gets decent allowance which he uses to make charitable donations.
For now, it is hard to anticipate how much Pope Leo XIV will receive as remuneration, his previous salary was disclosed in a report by Ladbible. It is reported that he earned between €4,000 and €5,000 per month when he was a cardinal.
The election of Pope Leo has marked the new era for the Catholic Church. Firstly because he has made history by becoming the first American to be a Pope. Secondly, his stance on including marginalized groups suggests continuity of Pope Francis’ mission.
In his first remark as the new pope he shared his hope that his message of peace would be “enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are.” He also honored his predecessor and also expressed gratitude towards his fellow cardinals for choosing him as the new pope.
Congratulatory wishes are pouring in for Pope Leo XIV on social media. Barack Obama wrote, “Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.”
Michelle and I send our congratulations to a fellow Chicagoan, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This is a historic day for the United States, and we will pray for him as he begins the sacred work of leading the Catholic Church and setting an example for so many, regardless of faith.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 8, 2025
JD Vance tweeted, “Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!
— JD Vance (@JDVance) May 8, 2025
Donald Trump and Joe Biden also congratulated the new pope.
Take a look at some pictures of Pope Leo XIV as he takes on the new role.
Pope Leo XIV greeting the world for the first time to grant his Urbi et Orbi blessing on May 8.
Pope Leo XIV in his first homily with Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel said, “God has called me by your election to succeed the Prince of the Apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator.”
