Pope Leo has returned to the tradition of awarding bonuses to Vatican employees for their work in the weeks following the death of a pope.
The tradition of a “conclave bonus” was halted by Pope Francis in 2013, who instead chose to donate the funds to various charities, according to the National Catholic Register. Under the newly-elected Pope Leo, about 5,000 staff working in Vatican institutions will receive a bump of more than $500 in their June paychecks.
The bonus is meant to reward workers who often have to work overtime in the time between a pope’s death and the election of a new pope, the Register reported.
Vatican employees of bookstores, museums, media and other areas will receive the extra funds.
Since his election in May, Pope Leo has repeatedly broken with his predecessor ceremonially. The pontiff’s first appearance was marked by his decision to wear traditional garments over his white cassock, while the former pope opted out of the traditional red mozzetta and white rochet. Leo also decided to live in the Apostolic Palace, the historic residence of popes for centuries, whereas Pope Francis controversially resided in the Vatican guesthouse. Pope Francis was frequently criticized for appearing to take a more liberal stance at times, such as in 2023 when he opened the door for priests to offer certain blessings to same-sex couples.
Francis passed away in April after spending over a month in the hospital battling double pneumonia.
The Holy See did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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