According to a report published Monday, September 14, by Vatican News, Leo canceled the salary reductions imposed by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, in 2021 as the pandemic placed financial pressure on the Holy See.
Francis introduced the cuts in an effort to protect jobs as Vatican revenues declined. Beginning in April 2021, cardinals faced a 10% reduction in salary, while department superiors had their pay reduced by 8%. Clergy and religious sisters and brothers were subject to a 3% cut.
Lower-ranking lay employees were not affected by the salary reductions, but their regular pay raises, which are awarded every two years, were suspended.
At the time, the Holy See was facing a structural deficit estimated at about 70 million euros, alongside a pension fund shortfall of approximately 1 billion euros.
In a decree announcing the reversal of the cuts, Leo said the measures could now end as the Holy See and Vatican City State continued working toward economic sustainability through other means.
The decision came as Leo marked his birthday with a visit to the Vatican Apostolic Archive and Vatican Apostolic Library. During the visit, he also announced plans to expand both institutions with the construction of a new building.
According to Vatican News, Leo said the expansion was necessary because of the significant growth in the Holy See's bibliographic collections and the increasing volume of documents produced by its institutions. Existing space at the Archive and Library has become insufficient, he said.
The new building is expected to house ancient manuscripts and archival materials connected to previous popes, congregations and benefactors.
Speaking to staff during his birthday visit, Leo reflected on the significance of the occasion and his personal connection to libraries. He noted that his mother had been a librarian and said he was visiting the institutions on his birthday to greet their staff.
Leo also described his visit as a continuation of a tradition followed by previous popes. Reflecting on the role of books, he said they can inspire curiosity and encourage people to search and discover.
He further described the papal library as a "beating heart" and a symbol of life, comparing its purpose to the rhythm of contraction and relaxation, and movement between the center and the wider world.
