VATICAN CITY, Rome — Most of us know what the Good Book narrates in Luke 9:1-6: "One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 'Take nothing for your journey,' he instructed them. 'Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate'.”

Give emphasis on verse 3 which tells us Jesus instructed the Apostles to "take nothing . . . don't take . . . money," so it means no profit in doing God's work, except God's blessings.

But many people ask how much does the pope earn or how big is his salary in leading the Roman Catholic Church with its more than 1.3 billion followers?

In becoming the first American pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, erstwhile Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be receiving a US$33,800 (approximately ₱1.87 million) monthly compensation with unmatched perks.
The new pope has quickly made headlines across the globe with his historic appointment sparking worldwide attention, not just for its spiritual significance, but also for the huge salary and unique benefits that come with the role.

The Vatican confirmed Pope Leo XIV’s election shortly after the white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the beginning of a new era for the Catholic faithful. Alongside his papal duties, he’ll receive a generous monthly paycheck of around €30,000, which converted to American dollars adds up to over US$400,000 (about ₱22.1 million) a year.

If Pope Leo XIV accepts the full salary, his earnings of about $405,600 per year would match or even exceed the pay of some of the world’s most powerful public figures. For instance, the President of the United States receives a base salary of US$400,000, along with an extra US$170,000 plus annually for official duties, travel and entertainment.

But as pointed out by Vatican insiders, the role of the pope isn't a job in the traditional sense—it’s a spiritual calling. This is probably why the late Pope Francis refused the salary, requesting instead that the money be redirected to charitable causes.

But aside from the huge salary, what perks does the Pope receive beyond his six-figure salary?
The truth is that the pope's salary is only part of the picture because the job comes with extraordinary benefits that most world leaders don’t receive. LIving in the magnificent Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, the pope enjoys free housing, meals and daily essentials—all covered by the Catholic Church.

He also has exclusive use of the Popemobile, private cars and a full fleet of vehicles. Security, healthcare, and even fashion are also taken care of. The pope receives free healthcare through Vatican services, along with access to a private pharmacy, ensuring top-tier medical support during his time as the Church’s overseer.
And people also ask if the Pope gets a pension after retirement?

Yes, and it's not just symbolic. Even in retirement, a former pope is financially secure. Pope Leo XIV, if he chooses to retire, will be entitled to a monthly pension of €2,500 (about US$3,300 or ₱155.9k). But the support goes far beyond that because the Vatican continues to cover all daily expenses, including food, housing and housekeeping services. Retired popes also get to live within the Vatican’s walls, maintaining a peaceful and secure life away from public pressures.

Comparatively, tech chief-executive-officers (CEOs) take far less compensation than the Pope. Tech giants like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have famously taken base salaries of US$0 or US$1. However, their real wealth comes from stock compensation, bonuses, and company-funded perks like private jets, security, and travel expenses. So, While Musk and Zuckerberg’s net worths soar into the billions, their day-to-day wages—on paper—are technically less than what the pope could earn. Yet, when comparing pure leadership perks, few roles offer the all-inclusive lifestyle the pope’s position provides.

But people must remember that becoming the pope isn’t just a prestigious appointment—it’s a deeply spiritual role that holds global influence. Unlike CEOs or politicians, the pope is not answerable to shareholders or voters but instead leads over a billion Catholics across the globe. And while the pope's salary might turn heads, the position is far more about spiritual leadership than financial reward. The perks—from free housing to a custom wardrobe—help the pope focus entirely on guiding the global Catholic community.

Still, with a salary matching heads of state and benefits that rival the best corporate packages, it’s clear that the Vatican spares no effort in supporting the pontiff’s ability to lead the Church with dignity and strength.