(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 01.18.2024).- In a gesture of support for large families, Pope Francis has implemented a financial bonus for Vatican employees with three or more children. Starting January 2025, eligible workers under the Governorate of Vatican City State will receive €300 (approximately $310) per month per household—a total of €3,600 annually. While the move has been welcomed as a step toward recognizing the challenges of parenting, it has also sparked debate and discontent among Vatican staff over its limited scope and perceived inequities.
Financial Support for Families: A Step Forward
The new measure, announced by the Holy See’s Press Office on January 15, reflects Pope Francis’ ongoing advocacy for family welfare. The bonus will continue until children reach the age of 18 or 24 if they remain in education, aligning Vatican policies with those of several European countries that provide substantial benefits for large families.
The Pope has also expanded paternity leave for Vatican employees from three to five days, marking another effort to support working parents. This change builds on an earlier extension in 2022, when paternity leave increased from one to three days. However, some critics argue that even the updated leave remains modest compared to countries like Italy, where fathers are granted 10 days of paid leave.
Exclusions and Criticisms Spark Debate
Despite the intent, the initiative has drawn criticism for its narrow application. Currently, the bonus only applies to employees of the Governorate of Vatican City State, which includes around 2,000 of the Vatican’s 4,800 staff members. This leaves a significant portion of employees—those working in the Roman Curia and other Vatican institutions—excluded from the benefit.
The Association of Lay Employees of the Vatican (ADLV) expressed cautious optimism, praising the effort but pointing out its limitations. In a public statement, the ADLV emphasized the need for broader inclusion, particularly for families with fewer than three children or those caring for disabled dependents over the age of 18 who cannot attend school.
“The initiative is welcome, but it raises questions of fairness,” the ADLV noted. “All employees should benefit from subsidies and bonuses, regardless of their department or family size.”
Disparities in Employee Benefits
The bonus announcement has also reignited discussions about income disparities within Vatican employment sectors. Employees in high-profile divisions, such as the Vatican Museums, reportedly enjoy better remuneration compared to those in less visible roles. The ADLV highlighted the disparity by contrasting the €300 family bonus with recent €200 Amazon gift cards distributed to employees of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA).
“For some, a financial bonus; for others, a panettone,” the ADLV remarked, referencing the traditional Italian Christmas cake that has been offered to employees as holiday gifts.
The new measures come amid a broader context of financial austerity in Vatican City. Pope Francis recently announced significant budget cuts. Additionally, the Pope has hinted at impending reforms to the Vatican Pension Fund, acknowledging that “difficult decisions” lie ahead.
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