How Much Money Does the Pope Actually Make? The $33K Monthly Salary Question

When you hear about the pope’s compensation package, you might wonder: does the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics actually receive a salary? The answer reveals a fascinating intersection of religious tradition and modern tax law. Pope Leo XIV, who recently made history as the first American pontiff, now faces a distinctly modern question—will he have to file taxes on his Vatican income?

The pope is entitled to a monthly salary of approximately €30,000, which translates to roughly $33,000 per month or approximately $396,000 annually. While this figure might seem substantial, it comes with a significant caveat: most popes throughout history have simply refused to collect it. Pope Francis, Leo XIV’s predecessor, famously declined his entire salary, setting a precedent that raises questions about whether the new pope will follow suit.

Understanding the Pope’s Actual Income

The real intrigue centers on whether the pope—like all American citizens living abroad—must pay U.S. taxes on his worldwide earnings. Despite spending decades in Rome and serving in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV (formerly known as Robert Prevost) maintains his U.S. citizenship, which creates an unusual tax situation. The IRS doesn’t typically grant exemptions based on religious status, regardless of how prestigious the position.

According to Edward A. David, an assistant professor at King’s College London, “The new pope is unlikely to be exempt from U.S. income taxes. U.S. tax law claims the right to tax all citizens on their worldwide income.” This principle applies broadly—not even diplomatic immunity or heads of state status automatically exempt someone from American taxation.

The Tax Bill Could Be Substantial

If Pope Leo XIV were to accept his full salary, his federal and state self-employment tax obligations could reach approximately $135,287 annually. However, this calculation isn’t quite so straightforward. As clergy members typically fall into the self-employed category for tax purposes, the pope might be eligible for certain deductions that could reduce this burden.

The standard deduction alone ($14,600) would lower his taxable income, and clergy members often qualify to deduct housing-related expenses. Since the Vatican provides the pope’s housing, costs associated with furniture, utilities, and other residence-related expenses could potentially be written off, similar to how independent contractors handle business expenses.

The Offshore Accounts Wrinkle

One complication lurks beneath the surface: the pope’s role managing Vatican finances. As signing authority for the Vatican Bank—which maintains over $6.1 billion in holdings—Pope Leo XIV might be flagged for potential offshore tax concerns simply by virtue of maintaining significant international accounts. However, filing Form 8938 with the IRS and submitting a Foreign Bank Account Report to the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Unit should resolve these compliance requirements.

The Reality: Most Popes Don’t Claim It Anyway

Here’s the twist that makes this entire scenario somewhat moot: popes historically decline their salaries. Pope Francis set a contemporary example by refusing compensation entirely during his tenure. If Pope Leo XIV follows this tradition—which many expect him to do—the entire tax question becomes academic rather than practical. He simply wouldn’t have taxable income to report.

Yet even if he chooses not to accept the salary, the pope remains a U.S. citizen with potential filing obligations, making his tax status a curious footnote in the intersection of canon law and American IRS regulations. The takeaway? Even the head of the Catholic Church can’t entirely escape the reach of the U.S. tax code.