Cardinals in the Catholic Church do not have a fixed salary solely for being cardinals; their income depends largely on their specific roles and responsibilities. Generally:
- Cardinals working in the Vatican receive a monthly salary ranging roughly from 4,000 to 5,500 euros (about $4,320 to $5,940), depending on their duties and seniority. This salary includes allowances such as a secretarial bonus and office compensation, which have been subject to recent cuts by Pope Francis as part of economic austerity measures
- Cardinals who serve in dioceses outside the Vatican typically earn salaries similar to bishops, around 1,296 to 1,620 USD per month, with housing and other expenses covered. Retired cardinals or those in dioceses maintain more modest incomes compared to those in Vatican roles
- In 2021 and again in 2023, Pope Francis implemented salary reductions of about 10% or roughly 500 euros per month for cardinals working in the Roman Curia, citing financial challenges worsened by the pandemic and a desire for greater economic transparency
- On average, cardinals earn approximately 5,000 euros per month (about $60,000-$68,000 annually), though many live in subsidized Vatican apartments and some choose to give away their income
In summary, cardinals' earnings vary by position, with Vatican-based cardinals earning around 5,000 euros monthly after recent cuts, while those in dioceses earn less but have expenses covered. Their income is modest relative to the size and influence of the Church, reflecting a lifestyle of service rather than wealth accumulation
