Pope Leo XIV repeals COVID-era salary cuts for cardinals and senior Vatican officials

Pope Leo XIV has repealed the salary reductions for cardinals and senior Vatican officials that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The papal decree, which the Pope signed earlier in September, was published by the Vatican on Sept. 14.

The original measures, introduced by Pope Francis in March 2021 through the decree "A Sustainable Future," reduced the salaries of cardinals serving in the Curia by 10%. Employees in salary grades C and C1, including heads and secretaries of dicasteries, saw an 8% reduction, while a general 3% reduction was applied to others.

In his motu proprio, Pope Leo XIV noted that while these containment measures were necessary to address the pandemic, the institutions of the Holy See and Vatican City State can now ensure economic sustainability through different means. He stated that he made the decision after consulting the Secretariat for the Economy. These provisions had previously undergone a partial amendment in June 2025.