Vatican accounts are the same as the Cardinals who will choose the next Pope: in red. The financial deficit is 87 million euros According to the Italian newspaper The Republic And therefore, among his numerous reforms of his papacy, Francisco applied measures of austerity y reduced up to 10% the salaries of high vatican chargesincluding the cardinals.
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How much do the cardinals win?
Unlike the Pope, who does not receive a monthly salary, the cardinals do receive a salary that varies according to their position and place of residence.
Cardinals living in the Vatican usually receive between 4,000 and 5,000 euros per monthwhile those who are retired or in other dioceses can depend on other sources of income, such as the local diocese or donations, said the Italian news agency ANSA.
This salary reduction was implemented through a Motu proprioa papal document with force of law, which Francisco signed in 2021. The measure sought to face the difficult economic situation that the Holy See, aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic, “Safeguarding jobs” of lay employees and guaranteeing financial sustainability of the Vatican.
This measure was very significant because It was the first time in the recent history that the cardinal’s salary was played. In addition, he accompanied the Vision of the Argentine Pope of a simpler, solidarity church, close to the poor and marginalized. The Pope, who for 12 years preferred a humble room in the Santa Marta house To the luxurious papal departments, he wanted to show that austerity must begin with the highest responsible for the Church.
The role of the cardinals in the Church
Cardinals are the main collaborators of the Pope in the government of the Catholic church. They act as close counselors on theological, pastoral and administrative issues. Many of them direct dicasteries, which are as ministries within the Vatican government, in charge of areas such as doctrine, liturgy, education or charity.
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In addition, they participate in important meetings calls and synods, where key decisions for the life of the Church worldwide are discussed.
In the current context, they have the responsibility of choose the new Popea process that will take place since Wednesday in the next conclave of the Sistine Chapel.
