When this “CEO” says something, you can believe it! Citing the world’s poor economy, this administrator says he is out to cut expenses, and he is starting at the home office. Yes, numerous media report that newly elected Pope Francis has instructed that there be no bonuses given to staff to honor his election.
Instead of giving bonuses, Pope Francis has asked that donations be given to local charities in his honor.
When his predecessor Pope Benedict was elected, approximately 4,000 Vatican employees received bonuses totaling around $1,900 each. Traditionally, all employees receive the bonuses, from administrators to groundskeepers. The bonuses are reportedly paid in cash as a sign that the money is not regular pay. In the past, employees have also been given days off to honor important milestones in a papacy.
A Vatican spokesperson told The Irish Times that the action does not indicate any financial problems in the Vatican budget.