Pope Francis’ Net Worth in 2025: How Did Pope Francis Die?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became one of the most well-known and influential religious figures globally. As the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he guided over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, making him one of the most important religious and political figures in history. When Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, Pope Francis became the head of the Church, marking a time of change, care, and a focus on humility.

Although Pope Francis dedicated his public life to spiritual matters, there has always been interest in his personal wealth, salary, and real estate. As with any person of such significance, questions about his lifestyle, net worth, and the finances of the Vatican naturally arise. In this article, we will explore the Pope’s net worth, career, personal life, real estate holdings, and his views on social issues like LGBT rights.

How Did Pope Francis Die?

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from a stroke and heart failure. The Vatican confirmed that he died peacefully in his residence, surrounded by his physicians and aides. In the weeks before his death, he had experienced a significant decline in his health, with increasing fatigue and fewer public appearances.

Despite his health challenges, he continued to perform papal duties as much as he could. His death marked the end of a papacy known for its humility, reforms, and a constant focus on compassion and inclusion within the Church.

Pope Francis’ Net Worth in 2025

Pope Francis’ net worth at the time of his death is difficult to measure because of the nature of his position. As the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis did not have personal wealth in the usual sense. Instead, the wealth of the Vatican, including all assets related to the Church, is often linked to the Pope’s financial status.

However, Pope Francis was known for his commitment to simplicity and humility. Unlike some previous popes who lived in luxury, Pope Francis led a simple lifestyle. As a result, his wealth was modest compared to other world leaders or celebrities. Reports suggest that Pope Francis’ net worth was estimated to be between $10 million and $12 million. However, much of this wealth was tied to his personal property, rather than any assets owned by the Vatican.

It’s important to recognize that the Catholic Church, as an organization, holds assets that far exceed the personal wealth of its leaders. Estimates suggest that the Vatican’s total wealth is between $10 billion and $15 billion, although determining the exact value is challenging.

These assets include not only financial holdings but also priceless art collections, properties, and historical artifacts. Pope Francis did not personally control this wealth, but as the leader of the Vatican, he was responsible for overseeing these substantial holdings.

The Pope’s Salary: How Much Does Pope Francis Make?

Pope Francis did not receive a typical salary as an employee would. Instead, as the Pope, he had access to all the resources and facilities necessary to perform his duties, including his residence at the Apostolic Palace. The Vatican took care of his living expenses, security, and travel, and it also funded the charitable causes he supported.

The idea of a salary, as it is understood traditionally, doesn’t apply to the Pope. His “income” came from the funds set aside for the operation of the Vatican and its various activities. These funds included donations from Catholics around the world, such as the Peter’s Pence collection, which supports the Pope’s charity work and the Vatican’s operations.

Regarding the Vatican’s official budget, the Holy See has an annual budget of about $300 million, which covers its global operations, including religious ceremonies, diplomatic work, and charitable efforts. However, Pope Francis emphasized that the Church should focus on humility and serving the poor. He worked to reduce unnecessary expenses within the Vatican, promoting greater transparency and a more efficient operation.

Does Pope Francis Have a House?

Pope Francis did not own a personal house or property in the traditional sense. As the leader of the Catholic Church, his residence was the Apostolic Palace, located within Vatican City. The Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Palace, is a historic and grand complex that includes living spaces, chapels, offices, and meeting rooms. This was where the Pope lived during his papacy.

However, Pope Francis preferred a simpler living arrangement than previous popes. While past popes lived in the luxurious Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis chose to live in a more modest residence within the Vatican: the Domus Sanctae Martae (House of St. Martha).

This guesthouse-style building is less extravagant and allows the Pope to live alongside other priests and cardinals in a more communal environment. His decision reflects his commitment to humility, as he felt the Pope should not live in isolation or in a lavish setting.

Although the Pope’s residence was not luxurious by traditional standards, it was still located within one of the most important and secure places on Earth. Vatican City is an independent city-state, and the Pope’s residence is under heavy protection. While Pope Francis’ living conditions were modest, the Vatican itself is one of the wealthiest and most powerful institutions globally, holding a vast array of real estate, artworks, and historical treasures.

How Much Is the Vatican Worth?

While the Vatican is not a traditional nation-state focused on wealth generation, it owns significant assets in various forms. The Vatican’s total wealth is estimated to be between $10 billion and $15 billion, though this wealth is not directly tied to the personal assets of Pope Francis but to the institution itself.

The Vatican’s wealth comes from several key sources, including:

• Art and Artifacts: The Vatican’s art collections are among the most valuable in the world, including priceless works by artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. The Vatican Museums are not only a collection of religious art but also a symbol of cultural wealth and power.

• Real Estate Holdings: The Vatican owns a vast number of properties, both within Vatican City and around the world. These include churches, convents, educational institutions, hospitals, and agricultural land. The Vatican also owns valuable properties in major cities, such as Rome and other countries.

• Investments: The Vatican has made investments in various sectors, including financial markets, real estate, and businesses. Through institutions like the Vatican Bank (officially called the Institute for the Works of Religion), it manages the assets of the Holy See.

• Donations: The Vatican receives large donations from Catholics worldwide. One significant source of income is the Peter’s Pence collection, which helps fund the Pope’s charitable activities and the Vatican’s operations.

While the Vatican holds considerable wealth, Pope Francis focused on using these resources to support the Church and its charitable efforts, particularly those that address poverty, social inequality, and the needs of marginalized communities.

Does Pope Francis Have a Child?

No, Pope Francis did not have any children. As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis followed the vow of celibacy that is required of all Catholic clergy, especially those in leadership roles. Celibacy is a core part of Catholic priesthood, as priests and the Pope are expected to devote their lives completely to the service of God and the Church.

Pope Francis always lived according to this vow, a commitment shared with other clergy members. He never married and did not have any biological children. However, he often spoke about the importance of family, compassion, and caring for others, particularly those in need. His views on family and social issues were key to his leadership style and pastoral approach.

Pope Francis’ Views on LGBT Rights

Pope Francis drew attention for his progressive stance on various social issues, including LGBT rights. While the Catholic Church traditionally holds views on marriage and sexuality, Pope Francis consistently highlighted the importance of compassion and dignity for LGBT individuals.

One of his most well-known quotes came in 2013 when he responded to a question about homosexuals by saying, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?” This statement sparked wide discussion and was seen as a more inclusive approach to LGBT people, especially in contrast to previous papacies that were less accepting of homosexuality.

Pope Francis made it clear that while the Church maintains traditional teachings on marriage and sexual ethics, it believes in treating all people with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation. He stressed that discrimination against LGBT individuals is unacceptable and worked toward making the Church a more welcoming place for them.

While Pope Francis did not alter the Church’s official position on same-sex marriage or other sexual matters, his comments and actions indicated a shift toward more empathy and understanding. For instance, under his leadership, the Vatican took steps to ensure LGBT Catholics were not excluded from Church activities, and he spoke out against laws that criminalize homosexuality in some parts of the world.

Pope Francis’ leadership, both spiritual and financial, continues to be an interesting and complex topic. While his wealth was modest compared to traditional leaders, the Vatican itself is an institution of great financial and cultural importance.

Pope Francis showed a strong commitment to humility, simplicity, and the well-being of others, which has shaped his time as pope. Through his position, he influenced global conversations on poverty, social justice, and the dignity of all people, including LGBT individuals.

In 2025, Pope Francis is regarded as one of the most influential figures globally, not only as the leader of the Catholic Church but also as a symbol of compassion, reform, and humility.