Pope Leo XIV Restores Conclave Bonus for Vatican Staff

Vatican, 28 May 2025 — Vatican employees have received a €500 bonus from Pope Leo XIV in recognition of their service during the recent 'sede vacante'. The gesture marks the return of the traditional conclave bonus, which had not been given since 2013.

Pope Francis had chosen to suspend the bonus during his pontificate, redirecting the funds to support charitable work for the poor. In a similar spirit, Pope Leo XIV paired the reinstated bonus with a donation of food for those in need, distributed by the Vatican department responsible for charitable outreach.

Pope Leo XIV has already shown a strong commitment to the dignity of labour, drawing comparisons to Pope Leo XIII, who issued the historic encyclical Rerum Novarum on workers’ rights.

In his early days as Pope, he met with Vatican staff to express appreciation for their efforts. While he did not mention the bonus during the meeting, he highlighted the essential role of their service in the mission of the Church.

Courtesy: Vatican