In Oath of Penance, Pope Francis’ Personal Wealth at Time of Passing Was $100

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, it has been disclosed that the pontiff’s personal wealth at the time of his passing amounted to just $100 USD (approximately €90). This modest sum underscores the Pope’s lifelong commitment to a life of simplicity, humility, and service, which became a hallmark of his papacy.

Pope Francis, who was entitled to an annual salary of €340,000 as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, chose to forgo any personal financial compensation.

Instead, he lived in the modest Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City, a far cry from the opulent Apostolic Palace traditionally reserved for the Pope. His living expenses—including food, clothing, and travel—were fully covered by the Vatican.

This decision to decline the salary and live simply reflects Pope Francis’s commitment to the principles of poverty and humility. Throughout his papacy, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of living in solidarity with the poor and marginalized, often leading by example.

In addition to his personal choices, Pope Francis made a profound impact through his charitable acts. Prior to his death, he donated approximately €200,000 to a youth prison in Rome to support a pasta-making project, underscoring his deep concern for the welfare of incarcerated individuals and his broader focus on social justice.

Pope Francis’s modest financial legacy contrasts sharply with the wealth of the Vatican itself, which is estimated to be worth between $10 billion and $15 billion. Despite the vast resources of the institution he led, Pope Francis chose to remain personally detached from material wealth, living a life that was focused on spiritual and humanitarian values.

The revelation of Pope Francis’s personal wealth serves as a reminder of his devotion to a life of service to others, a key aspect of his legacy. His papacy was characterized by efforts to reform the Church, promote interfaith dialogue, and address social issues ranging from poverty and inequality to climate change.

As the Catholic Church and the world mourn the loss of Pope Francis, his commitment to humility, compassion, and social justice remains a powerful symbol of the values he stood for throughout his life.