Vatican cuts salaries of cardinals

Salary cuts for Vatican cardinals

The Vatican has announced that it will be cutting the salaries of cardinals by 10%. The move comes as the Vatican faces a budget deficit of €50 million. The salary cuts will affect all cardinals, including those who work in the Roman Curia, the administrative body of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican said that the salary cuts are necessary to help balance the budget. The Vatican has been facing financial difficulties for several years, due to a decline in donations and the rising cost of operating the Church. The Vatican has also been criticized for its lavish spending, which has included the purchase of luxury apartments and cars.

The salary cuts are likely to be unpopular with cardinals, who are already paid relatively low salaries. The average salary for a cardinal is €5,000 per month. However, the Vatican said that the salary cuts are necessary to ensure the financial stability of the Church.

Reaction from cardinals

The salary cuts have been met with mixed reactions from cardinals. Some cardinals have said that they understand the need for the cuts, while others have expressed disappointment. One cardinal, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the salary cuts are "a slap in the face" to cardinals who have dedicated their lives to the Church.

The salary cuts are expected to take effect on January 1, 2023. The Vatican said that the cuts will be reviewed after one year.

Transparency and accountability

The salary cuts are part of a wider effort by the Vatican to improve transparency and accountability. In recent years, the Vatican has been criticized for its lack of transparency, which has led to allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.

The Vatican has taken steps to improve transparency, including publishing its financial statements and creating a new independent financial oversight body. The salary cuts are another step in the Vatican's efforts to improve transparency and accountability.