Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few days, you have undoubtedly heard the news of the election of Pope Francis. You've most likely heard about his decision to select a new papal name and the excitement of Pope Francis becoming the first ever Latin American Pope. However, what you may not be aware of is the financial perks that come with the papal name. Naturally, this Savvy Student could not help but wonder. Here are some interesting facts we have discovered about the financial details of the Vatican and the Pope.
The Pope Runs a Business
Pope Francis is now the head of the Catholic religion and the leader of approximately 2.3 billion Catholics all over the world. However, that is not the only thing for which the Pope is responsible. As Kevin Roose observed, "The new pope will continue to preside over a volatile and diversified business empire whose fortunes rise and fall with the greater economy, just like his predecessors did" (Roose). Many don't realize the financial responsibility that comes with such a powerful title. The pope is the leader of a religious business that is worth billions of dollars. In a rocky economy, the Pope must be sure to help guide the Church through potential financial trials and tribulations.
Smoke Can Be Expensive
Another interesting detail that many may not realize is the cost of choosing a new Pope. Accomodating all of the Cardinals that reside in the Vatican during the selection of a new Pope can be a costly endeavor. Lodgings, food, and other accomodations for the Cardinals are expenses that many may not consider. Additionally, there may be some additional costs that come from the chemicals they use for that exciting white smoke!
Interestingly, accomodating Pope Francis may save the Vatican some money! During his time as an Archbishop, Pope Francis had a "reputation for personal simplicity" as "a Prince of the Church who chose to live in a simple apartment rather than the archbishop's palace, who gave up his chauffeured limousine in favor of taking the bus to work, and who cooked his own meals" (Read). Time can only tell what it may mean for the Catholic Church to have such a financially responsible and savvy Pope taking the lead at the Vatican.
Whether you have been following the story of Pope Benedict's resignation and Pope Francis' election, this Savvy Student believes that it is always so interesting to consider the financial side of every story.
~ Savvy Student
The Pope Runs a Business
Pope Francis is now the head of the Catholic religion and the leader of approximately 2.3 billion Catholics all over the world. However, that is not the only thing for which the Pope is responsible. As Kevin Roose observed, "The new pope will continue to preside over a volatile and diversified business empire whose fortunes rise and fall with the greater economy, just like his predecessors did" (Roose). Many don't realize the financial responsibility that comes with such a powerful title. The pope is the leader of a religious business that is worth billions of dollars. In a rocky economy, the Pope must be sure to help guide the Church through potential financial trials and tribulations.
Smoke Can Be Expensive
Another interesting detail that many may not realize is the cost of choosing a new Pope. Accomodating all of the Cardinals that reside in the Vatican during the selection of a new Pope can be a costly endeavor. Lodgings, food, and other accomodations for the Cardinals are expenses that many may not consider. Additionally, there may be some additional costs that come from the chemicals they use for that exciting white smoke!
Interestingly, accomodating Pope Francis may save the Vatican some money! During his time as an Archbishop, Pope Francis had a "reputation for personal simplicity" as "a Prince of the Church who chose to live in a simple apartment rather than the archbishop's palace, who gave up his chauffeured limousine in favor of taking the bus to work, and who cooked his own meals" (Read). Time can only tell what it may mean for the Catholic Church to have such a financially responsible and savvy Pope taking the lead at the Vatican.
Whether you have been following the story of Pope Benedict's resignation and Pope Francis' election, this Savvy Student believes that it is always so interesting to consider the financial side of every story.
~ Savvy Student
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