Restored Incentive for Pope Election: Pope Leo XIV Revives "Conclave Premium"
Rome — Return of the Conclave Bonus for Vatican Employees
Pope Leo XIV has reinstated a centuries-old tradition, granting a 500 euro bonus to Vatican employees following the election of the new Pontiff. This special payment, known as the Conclave Bonus, was previously discontinued in 2013 during the papacy of Pope Francis.
According to Italian news agency Ansa, the decision was made on Friday before the first official audience of Pope Leo XIV with the Roman Curia and employees. The bonus serves as a token of appreciation for the hard work of employees during the sede vacante, or the period with an empty papal throne.
The revival of the Conclave Bonus comes as a welcome move for the more than 4,000 employees of the Holy See and Vatican State. Throughout the papacy of Francis, the Papal State had to implement austerity measures to deal with persistent budget deficits, including pay cuts for cardinals. Despite these measures, working for the Vatican remains an attractive proposition, as employees are exempt from income tax.
To provide context, papal conclaves have a rich history dating back to the early Christian era. The modern process was formalized in 1274 with Pope Gregory X's bull Ubi periculum, establishing isolation to prevent external influence and establishing a two-thirds majority for the election of a pope. The process has evolved over time, with notable changes made by Popes Gregory XV in 1621 and Benedict XVI in 2007.
While specific details regarding the Conclave Bonus for employees are not available, it's worth noting that papal conclaves can indirectly impact Vatican employees through additional work requirements or special arrangements. Enhanced security measures, logistical support, and ceremonial roles may be necessary during the conclave, altering the workload of various employees. However, direct bonuses or benefits tied specifically to the conclave, as seen with the Conclave Bonus, have limited discussion in the available information.
The news of the Conclave Bonus reinstitution in the banking-and-insurance sector of the Vatican, a tradition previously halted in 2013, is generating interest within the industry finance circle. This financial aid, given to Vatican employees following a new pontiff's election, demonstrates the appreciation for the hard work during the sede vacante, signifying another step towards addressing the industry's challenges and demonstrating the Vatican's commitment to its employees.
