Restores "Conclave Incentive": Pope Leo XIV's Decision
Pope Leo XIV Revives Traditional Vatican Bonus for Employees Following His Election
Rome - In a nod to tradition, Pope Leo XIV has awarded employees of the Vatican a monetary bonus of €500 upon his election. Known as the Conclave Bonus, the practice had been discontinued under Pope Francis in 2013 but has been reinstated under the new Pope.
The Conclave Bonus is a longstanding custom where the employees are rewarded for their hard work during the sede vacante, or the period of the unoccupied seat. The tradition symbolizes the commencement of a new era under the leadership of the newly elected pope.
The bonus is expected to be well-received by the over 4,000 employees of the Holy See and the Vatican State. Owing to persistent budget deficits, Pope Francis' pontificate required numerous austerity measures such as salary cuts for cardinals. Yet, despite these challenges, working for the Vatican remains attractive due to the absence of income tax.
Retirees will also receive a bonus of €300, serving as a further token of appreciation. This gesture marks a shift in tone from the austerity measures imposed by Pope Francis and is seen as a morale booster for the Vatican staff. The reinstatement of the Conclave Bonus comes just before the new Pope's first official audience with the Roman Curia and staff.
The Vatican has grappled with ongoing budget challenges and low employee morale. The reinstatement of the Conclave Bonus is a significant move intended to address these issues and provide a symbolic gesture of gratitude to the Vatican workforce.
The Conclave Bonus, a traditional reward for Vatican employees during the sede vacante, has been revived by Pope Leo XIV, symbolizing the start of a new era and as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work. This monetary bonus, worth €500 for employees and €300 for retirees, follows the period of austerity measures under Pope Francis and is expected to boost employee morale within the Vatican.
