The True Earnings of Pope Leo XIV: What Does the First American Pontiff Make?


4. Book Royalties and Appearances

If Pope Leo XIV were to write books or give public addresses (outside official duties), royalties and speaking fees could theoretically become part of his "earnings." However, like previous Popes, he would almost certainly donate these proceeds to charity.

For instance:

  • Pope Benedict XVI authored several bestselling books, with profits going directly to charitable causes.
  • Pope Francis waived all royalties from his book sales, ensuring the money went back into helping those in need.

5. Lifestyle and Expenses

A Pope lives modestly by design. Their primary residence is within Vatican City, and their daily life revolves around prayer, administration, and pastoral care. There are no extravagant luxuries; instead, the focus remains on leading by example through simplicity and compassion.


So, How Much Does Pope Leo XIV Make?

To summarize:

  • Personal Income : Practically zero. Any stipend or gift money would go straight to charity.
  • Vatican Budget Oversight : While responsible for managing billions in assets and annual revenues, none of this belongs to the Pope personally.
  • Legacy Over Wealth : A Pope's true "earnings" lie in their impact—not in dollars or euros.

If Pope Leo XIV were ever crowned, his commitment to faith, justice, and humility would far outweigh any financial considerations. After all, the papacy isn't about wealth—it's about shepherding one billion Catholics across the globe.

Wouldn’t that make for quite the inspiring story? 🕊️