Pope Leo XIV Restores Vatican Salaries Cut During COVID-19

Pope Leo XIV has restored the salaries of cardinals and senior Vatican officials to their pre-COVID-19 levels, reversing salary reductions introduced by his predecessor, Pope Francis, during the pandemic.

The decision was announced in a papal decree published on Monday, September 14, 2026, the Pope’s 71st birthday.

Why Were the Salaries Cut?

In 2021, Pope Francis approved a 10 per cent salary reduction for cardinals and an eight per cent cut for senior Vatican officials.

The reductions were introduced as the Holy See faced financial pressure from the COVID-19 crisis and ongoing budget deficits. The measure was intended to help the Vatican manage its finances during an exceptional period.

According to the new decree, the salary reductions were abolished with effect from September 1, 2026. However, the restoration will not be applied retroactively, meaning the officials will not receive back pay for the period covered by the cuts.

Vatican Finances Show Signs of Improvement

The restoration comes as the Vatican’s financial position shows signs of improvement.

The Vatican bank reported a net profit of €51 million in its annual report published in May 2026.

A cardinal working in the Roman Curia, the Catholic Church’s central administration, is estimated to earn between €4,500 and €5,000 monthly.

Despite the restoration of salaries, Pope Leo XIV stated that Vatican institutions would continue working towards economic sustainability.

A Reminder About Leadership and Stewardship

The decision offers an opportunity to reflect on an important principle of Christian leadership: stewardship.

Leadership in the Church is not only about preaching, public influence, or occupying a position of authority. It also involves responsibility, accountability, and the wise management of resources entrusted to leaders.

During a difficult global crisis, the Vatican introduced salary reductions to respond to financial pressure. Now, with the reported improvement in its finances, those reductions have been reversed.

The development reminds us that responsible leadership requires the ability to make difficult decisions when circumstances demand them, while remaining attentive to the welfare of the people and institutions under one’s care.

As Jesus taught in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Faithfulness in leadership includes how resources are managed, especially when the needs are great.