Pope Leo XIV Renews Payment for "Electoral Bribe" to Secure Papal Election
Pope Leon XIV, the newly elected Pope, has revived an age-old Vatican tradition by granting a "Conclave Bonus" to Vatican employees. This special payment of 500 euros was initially abolished in 2013 under Pope Francis due to financial constraints. The tradition, which is given to employees upon the election of a new Pope, serves as a token of gratitude for their work during the sede vacante, the period when the Holy See is devoid of a Pope.
The decision to reinstate the bonus was made on Friday ahead of the first official audience of Pope Leon XIV with the Roman Curia and Vatican staff. The return of this financial gesture is likely to be welcomed by the over 4,000 employees of the Holy See and the Vatican State.
In the past, the Vatican State had to implement austere measures due to persistent budget deficits, including salary cuts for cardinals during the Francis pontificate. However, despite these financial challenges, a job at the Vatican continues to be considered attractive, particularly as employees do not pay income tax.
The reinstatement of the "Conclave Bonus" may be an effort by Pope Leon XIV to boost morale and maintain harmony among Vatican staff, while simultaneously honoring historical practices within the Vatican. Notably, Pope Leon XIV is the first American to be elected Pope, although he also holds Peruvian citizenship due to his extensive work in Latin America.
(Sources: ntv.de, jwu/dpa)
The reinstatement of the "Conclave Bonus" could potentially impact the employment policy within the Vatican, as it may attract more applicants due to the additional financial benefit. This development is also significant in the context of general-news, as it underscores Pope Leon XIV's commitment to the well-being of Vatican employees and the business aspect of managing the Vatican's finances. In this regard, the policy change might be seen as a strategic move in the politics of the Vatican City, signifying a shift from the austere measures implemented under Pope Francis.
