Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 as the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to hold the role. At the age of 87, the late pontiff left behind a legacy marked by humility, compassion, and reform—and an unusual financial footprint for someone who held one of the most globally powerful religious positions.
Despite presiding over the Catholic Church, an institution with an estimated net worth of $10 to $15 billion, Pope Francis’ personal net worth was estimated at just $100 at the time of his death in 2025. This figure might seem shockingly low for a man of his influence—but it reflects a lifetime of personal vows and financial self-denial, aligned with his Jesuit principles.
A Life of Vows and Sacrifice
Long before becoming pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio lived a life rooted in the Jesuit tradition—an order known for its emphasis on education, service, and most notably, vows of poverty. Jesuits take a solemn pledge to avoid personal wealth, and Bergoglio remained committed to this philosophy throughout his life.
He became a priest in 1969 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires and later a cardinal. Even as a cardinal, Bergoglio lived modestly, taking public transportation and cooking his own meals. That same simplicity carried over when he took on the role of pope in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.
Salary and Income: What Did Pope Francis Actually Make?
While it’s often assumed that popes receive a substantial salary, Pope Francis rejected any form of personal income from the Vatican. Reports suggest that the papal position comes with an approximate monthly salary of $32,000, but Pope Francis never accepted it. Instead, the money was reportedly redirected toward charitable causes, foundations, or Vatican-related efforts.
Notably, even before ascending to the papacy, he refused a salary from the Church. In 2001, Vatican sources confirmed that Cardinal Bergoglio had never accepted payment during his time as a bishop or cardinal—further solidifying his reputation as a man devoted more to mission than material.
Assets and Lifestyle: What Counts Toward His Net Worth?
While Pope Francis’ net worth was estimated at only $100, that figure doesn’t capture the broader picture of the material access he had by virtue of his office. As pope, Francis had access to:
- Multiple Vatican-owned residences, including his personal quarters in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he opted to live rather than the more lavish Apostolic Palace.
- A fleet of official vehicles, including five cars at his disposal—though he frequently chose to ride in compact and fuel-efficient cars such as the Ford Focus or even a Renault 4 gifted by a priest.
- Access to Vatican security, travel, and healthcare, all covered by the institution.
However, none of these resources were personally owned by him. Francis never amassed or claimed personal assets like real estate, private bank accounts, or investments. Unlike many global religious figures, he did not commercialize his image, write lucrative memoirs, or accept luxury gifts.
The Catholic Church’s Wealth and the Pope’s Position in It
It’s essential to distinguish between the personal wealth of the pope and the vast financial and material resources of the Vatican. The Catholic Church owns real estate across the globe, maintains priceless art collections, and has revenue streams from donations, investments, and tourism.
Yet Pope Francis, by personal conviction, remained distanced from that wealth. He frequently criticized the accumulation of riches, both within and outside the Church. He sold off or redirected Vatican assets during his tenure and was known for reducing the Church’s expenses, opting to streamline operations and increase transparency in the Vatican’s financial dealings.
Personal Beliefs About Money and Materialism
Pope Francis used his position to advocate against economic inequality, often warning against what he described as the “idolatry of money.” He believed that leaders—both secular and religious—should live modestly and put service above gain.
His actions echoed these beliefs. Rather than accept gifts, he urged the faithful and Church officials to donate to refugee efforts, education, and medical missions. Even when given access to extraordinary wealth, Pope Francis chose austerity over excess, sending a powerful message in a world increasingly driven by profit.
Final Years and Enduring Legacy
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His final years were marked by health challenges, including hospitalizations for bronchitis and kidney issues. Despite these, he continued to serve the Church actively until his final months, only stepping back from some public duties when absolutely necessary.
His death triggered mourning across the world, not just from Catholics, but from leaders and citizens who respected his moral clarity, environmental advocacy, and interfaith outreach. Tributes praised his commitment to humility, peace, and equality—traits rarely associated with global figures of such influence.