Pope Leo Champions Family Welfare with New Rights for Vatican Parents

Vatican, August 12, 2025: In a compassionate move reflecting deep concern for family welfare, Pope Leo XIV has introduced significant reforms to support Vatican employees who are parents, with the measures announced on 11 August 2025. The new provisions reflect the Pope’s dedication to fostering a family-friendly workplace and providing greater care for those balancing work and parenting responsibilities.

A new Rescript—signed by the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, Maximino Caballero Ledo, and approved by Pope Leo XIV—introduces significant benefits for employees of the Vatican City State.

The updated rules grant five days of paid paternity leave to Vatican employees upon the birth of a child, to be taken within thirty days of the event. Fathers will receive full pay for the leave, which counts towards their length of service.

Parents of children with certified severe disabilities will be entitled to three paid days off each month, which can be taken consecutively, provided the child is not fully hospitalised. This leave is intended to ensure parents can devote more time to caring for their children, with safeguards to prevent it from being used for other employment.

The Rescript also strengthens access to family allowances for households with members recognised as severely disabled or incapacitated by a Vatican Medical Board. Beneficiaries include families with adult children in education—up to age 20 for secondary studies and up to age 26 for university studies—provided they can present proof of enrolment.

These new measures highlight Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on protecting and supporting families, particularly those navigating the challenges of disability, within the Vatican community.

Courtesy: Vatican News

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