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Pope Leo XIV revokes Vatican salary cuts for cardinals
On his 71st birthday, Pope Leo XIV issued a Motu Proprio revoking the salary cuts for cardinals and high-ranking Vatican officials that were implemented by Pope Francis in 2021. The measures, originally introduced to address the economic challenges and deficits caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, included a 10% reduction for cardinals, an 8% cut for heads and secretaries of dicasteries, and a 3% reduction for lower-ranking clergy and religious personnel.
The restoration of full salaries is set to take effect retroactively from September 1, 2026. While the direct pay cuts are being abolished, the Pope confirmed that the freeze on biennial seniority-based raises applied during the austerity period will remain in place to ensure continued economic stability. This decision follows reports of improved financial balances within the Holy See, including a reported surplus in 2024.
In a separate administrative move, Pope Leo XIV also signed a decree for the construction of a new modern facility within the Vatican to expand the spaces for the Apostolic Archive and the Vatican Apostolic Library. This project will be managed through a new Vatican instrumental foundation to secure necessary resources.
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Apostolic Archive · Apostolic Library · Apostolic Library of the Vatican · Chicago White Sox · Giorgia Meloni · Holy See · Italian Episcopal Conference · John Prevost · Maximino Caballero Ledo · Order of Saint Augustine · Pope Francis · Pope Leo XIV