Sarah Mitchell
Cardinals are high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church, just below the Pope, and are appointed by the Pope. They advise him, govern the Roman Curia, and elect the new Pope in the conclave. Cardinals do not have a fixed salary, but their income depends on their position. For instance, cardinals working in the Vatican can earn between $3,240 and $5,400 a month, while those in a diocese earn around $1,296 to $1,620 per month, plus covered expenses. In 2021, Pope Francis cut cardinals' salaries by 10% due to a financial crisis at the Vatican.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salary range for cardinals working in the Vatican | $3,240 to $5,400 a month (£2,418 to £4,031 a month) |
| Salary range for cardinals outside the Vatican | $1,296 to $1,620 a month (£967 to £1,209 a month) |
| Average salary of a cardinal | $60,000 a year, $71,000 a year, or £6,000 a year |
| Average hourly salary for a cardinal in the US | $9.86 an hour |
| Average hourly salary range for a cardinal in the US | $14.42 to $18.99 an hour |
| Average yearly salary for a cardinal | $35,108 a year |
| Salary reduction for cardinals by Pope Francis | 10% |
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What You'll Learn
Cardinals' salaries in the Vatican
Cardinals are high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope, and their salaries depend on their position. Cardinals do not have a fixed salary, but if they work in the Vatican, they can receive between $3,240 and $5,400 a month (or £2,418 and £4,031), depending on their responsibilities. Before Pope Francis reduced their salaries by 10% in response to the Vatican's financial crisis, the average salary of a cardinal in the Vatican ranged between £3,225 and £4,031.
Outside the Vatican, a cardinal's salary is similar to that of a bishop, ranging from $1,296 to $1,620 per month (or £967 to £1,209), plus covered expenses such as housing and transportation. In addition, many senior cardinals receive ecclesiastical pensions. The salary of cardinals is among the highest in the Catholic Church.
There have been instances where the Pope has withdrawn the salary of a cardinal, such as in the case of Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, where Pope Francis questioned why the Vatican should provide him with a salary and a free apartment in Rome when he seemed to have plenty of money from America.
It is important to note that cardinals are required to have a high level of education, with a PhD in theology, and their true "power" is religious and administrative rather than economic. As such, their compensation is relatively modest compared to similar roles in other fields.
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Cardinals' salaries outside the Vatican
Cardinals are high-ranking Catholic Church officials appointed by the Pope. Their main duties include advising the Pope, governing the Roman Curia, and electing the new Pope in the conclave.
Cardinals do not have a fixed salary; their income depends on their position. Cardinals outside the Vatican are paid a monthly salary of between $1,296 and $1,620, with expenses such as housing and transportation covered. Retired cardinals and those in dioceses maintain their usual income, which is generally much more modest.
In 2021, Pope Francis reduced cardinals' salaries by 10% to address the Vatican's financial crisis, worsened by the pandemic, a decline in tourism, and a decrease in donations. This measure did not affect cardinals outside the Curia. In 2023, Pope Francis also eliminated subsidised rents for cardinals and other senior Vatican officials.
The salary reduction was justified by the need to safeguard jobs and guarantee an economically sustainable future for the Vatican. The cut in salaries specifically targeted the “secretarial bonus” and the “office compensation,” which were part of the cardinals' monthly allowances.
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Cardinals' pensions
Cardinals are high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church, just below the Pope, and their salaries depend on their duties and location. Cardinals working in the Vatican receive between $3,240 and $5,400 a month, while those in a diocese earn a similar salary to bishops, around $1,296 to $1,620 per month, plus covered expenses such as housing and transportation. Pope Francis reduced cardinals' salaries by 10% during his papacy due to the Vatican's financial crisis, worsened by the pandemic, a decline in tourism revenue, and a drop in donations.
Cardinals do not have a fixed salary, but many senior cardinals receive ecclesiastical pensions. In 2025, Pope Francis appointed US Cardinal Kevin Farrell to oversee "new and unavoidable" reform to the Vatican's pension system, citing a serious prospective imbalance that required immediate attention. The pontiff emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the Vatican's pension fund faced an important deficit that could not be sustained in the medium term without intervention. Cardinal Farrell's role as the sole administrator of the fund underscores the urgency and significance of addressing the pension challenges within the Vatican.
The Vatican's pension reform aims to address financial sustainability and ensure the fulfillment of pension obligations for future generations. It is a key part of Pope Francis's financial reform project since his election in 2013. The pension fund is a central piece of Vatican financial reform, and Cardinal Farrell's expertise in economic matters and investments positions him to lead the necessary changes.
Cardinals' true power lies in their religious and administrative roles rather than economic advantages. Their salaries, while among the highest in the Catholic Church, are subject to fluctuations and adjustments based on the Vatican's financial situation. The recent pension reform efforts initiated by Pope Francis and entrusted to Cardinal Farrell reflect the dynamic nature of economic decision-making within the Catholic Church's highest ranks.
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Cardinals' salaries compared to charity managers
Cardinals are one of the highest ranks in the Catholic Church, just below the Pope. They are appointed by the Pope and are responsible for advising him, governing the Roman Curia, and electing the new Pope in the conclave. Cardinals do not have a fixed salary; their income depends on their position and responsibilities. For example, cardinals working in the Vatican receive between $3,240 and $5,400 a month, while those in a diocese earn a similar salary to that of a bishop, approximately $1,296 to $1,620 per month, plus covered expenses such as housing and transportation.
In comparison, charity managers, who are responsible for running charities, can earn around $80,000 annually for a midsized charity. This is significantly higher than the salary of cardinals, even before the 10% pay cut implemented by Pope Francis during his papacy due to the Vatican's financial crisis. The pay cut reduced the average monthly salary of cardinals in the Vatican to a range of $3,787 to $4,858, or approximately $45,444 to $58,296 annually.
While cardinals' salaries may seem modest compared to other professions, it is important to consider the additional benefits they receive, such as free or subsidized housing, transportation, and other expenses. Additionally, many senior cardinals receive ecclesiastical pensions.
It is worth noting that the salary range for cardinals can vary depending on their duties and the country they are based in. For example, cardinals who hold positions such as president of an Episcopal Conference or lead a Dicastery may have higher earnings.
In summary, cardinals' salaries are generally lower than those of charity managers, especially when considering the additional benefits and pensions received by cardinals. However, it is important to acknowledge that cardinals' true power lies in their religious and administrative influence rather than economic gain.
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Cardinals' salaries in the US
Cardinals are high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope, whose main duties include advising him, governing the Roman Curia, and electing the new Pope in the conclave.
Cardinals do not have a fixed salary for their cardinal duties. Their livelihood depends on their position. For example, cardinals working in the Vatican receive between $3,240 and $5,400 a month (or 4,000-5,000 euros a month), depending on their responsibilities. This amounts to an annual salary of $40,000 to $64,800. If they are in a diocese, their salary is similar to that of a bishop: around $1,296 - $1,620 monthly, plus covered expenses (housing, transportation, etc.). This equates to an annual salary of $15,552 to $19,440. Many senior cardinals also receive ecclesiastical pensions.
The salary of cardinals is among the highest in the Catholic Church, which is why Pope Francis reduced their salary by 10% during his papacy. This was done to promote transparency and economic austerity in the Vatican, safeguard jobs, and guarantee an economically sustainable future. The salary cut affected cardinals, bishops, and priests with positions in the Roman Curia (the Vatican’s central government).
It is important to note that the cost of living in the United States tends to be higher, and wages in the US can be proportionally higher as well. The average salary for a Catholic Church Cardinal role in the United States varies, with some sources citing an average hourly wage of $16.88, while others state an average annual salary of $35,108. However, it is worth mentioning that cardinals are often known to give a lot of their paychecks back to the church or to charities.
In conclusion, the salary of Catholic cardinals in the US can vary depending on their specific duties, location, and the cost of living in their area. While some cardinals in the US may earn an average annual salary of around $35,000, those serving in the Vatican or with additional responsibilities could earn significantly more, with annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $60,000.
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Frequently asked questions
Cardinals do not have a fixed salary. Their pay depends on their position and location. Cardinals working in the Vatican can earn between $3,240 and $5,400 per month, while those in a diocese earn between $1,296 and $1,620 per month. On top of this, they have expenses such as housing and transportation covered.
Yes. Cardinals' salaries can change depending on their duties and location. For example, cardinals with duties in different countries or those who hold other positions, such as president of an Episcopal Conference, may earn more. In 2021, Pope Francis cut cardinals' salaries by 10% due to a financial crisis at the Vatican.
No, cardinals do not have to pay for their own housing. The Vatican provides cardinals with free or subsidized housing.
The average hourly salary for a Catholic cardinal in the US is $9.86, with wages ranging from $14.42 to $18.99. This equates to an average annual salary of around $35,108.
Yes, many senior cardinals receive ecclesiastical pensions.
