Pope Francis Dies at 88: What Was His Net Worth, Salary, and How Many Cars He Owned?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. As the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, he made history as the first Latin American Pope. He led over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide with a heart full of humility, reform, and service.

Pope Francis Net Worth and Salary: The Truth About His Wealth

Many people wonder, "What was Pope Francis’ net worth?" Despite being the head of one of the richest religious institutions, Pope Francis personally lived a very simple life.

As per a report by Marca, Pope Francis’ net worth was estimated at $16 million. However, this amount wasn’t based on his personal income. It included the benefits that came with the papal office—such as official vehicles, homes, and international travel arrangements. These were not for personal use but were part of his duties as the Pope.

Did Pope Francis Take a Salary?

Technically, the Pope's salary is about $32,000 per month. But Pope Francis never accepted this money. Instead, he either donated it, gave it to a trust, or shared it with family. His decision was rooted in his Jesuit values, which focus on poverty and service.

In fact, the Vatican once confirmed that even before becoming Pope, Francis never took money from the Church. He believed in staying close to the poor and avoiding luxury.

While Pope Francis' personal wealth was modest, the Catholic Church is known to be incredibly rich. It owns billions of dollars in artwork, property, and investments across the globe.

But Pope Francis worked hard to reform the Church’s financial system. He pushed for transparency, cut expenses, and wanted the Church’s wealth to serve the needy and underprivileged. He became a strong voice for economic justice, encouraging the Church to lead by example.

Pope Francis: A Humble Leader in a Wealthy Institution

Even though he had the option to live in the grand Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis chose to live in a guesthouse. His lifestyle stood in contrast to many world leaders and even past popes. He proved that leadership is about service, not riches.

In a world where many spiritual leaders are questioned for wealth and luxury, Pope Francis stood out. He reminded the world that faith should always be tied to humility, compassion, and truth.