As white smoke rose to mark the election of Pope Leo XIV—the first pope born in the U.S.—his reported salary has sparked widespread reaction: €30,000 ($33,800) a month, totaling over $400,000 a year, according to Fortune.
Despite the eye-catching paycheck, the position comes with no personal expenses: housing, meals, travel, security, custom clothing, and even a private pharmacy are all covered.
Now, all eyes are on Pope Leo: will he follow that example, or fully embrace the privileges of his new role?
