On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made history when he was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, adopting the papal name Pope Leo XIV. At 69, the Chicago-born cleric became the first American-born pope, a milestone that has garnered significant global attention. While millions celebrate his spiritual leadership, curiosity has grown around his financial standing, salary, and personal background.
What Is Pope Leo XIV’s Net Worth?
His net worth is unknown, but as a cardinal, he reportedly earned between €4,000 and €5,000 per month.
Although Robert Francis Prevost’s current wealth is unknown, it is said that he received a monthly salary of between 4,000 and 5,000 euros while serving as a cardinal, as per a report by Merca20.
A Life of Mission and Ministry
Before ascending to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV lived a life of dedication and humility. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1982. He holds degrees from Villanova University and the Catholic Theological Union and later pursued advanced studies in canon law in Rome.
Much of his pastoral work was spent in Peru, where he served as a missionary and later became the Bishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, he was appointed by Pope Francis as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a crucial position responsible for overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide — a key stepping stone to the papacy.
Lesser-Known Facts About Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. He can also read Latin and German, a reflection of his academic and international experience. His multilingual ability has been praised as a unifying trait in an increasingly global Church.
He also has a more personal side. He enjoys playing tennis in his free time and is known to be a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox. During his missionary work in Peru, he developed a deep love for football (soccer) and is a supporter of the Peruvian club Alianza Lima.
His family background is equally unique. His mother, Mildred Martínez, was of Louisiana Creole heritage, and his father, Louis Marius Prevost, had Italian and French ancestry. He has two brothers, Louis and John, and has often spoken fondly of his Midwestern upbringing and the values instilled in him from a young age.
A New Chapter for the Catholic Church
As the new leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo XIV is expected to carry forward the progressive vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis, particularly in matters of social justice, environmental stewardship, and outreach to the marginalized.
While he may not have a financial portfolio to analyze, Pope Leo XIV’s wealth lies in his experience, humility, and dedication to serving humanity. As his papacy begins, many believe a new era of compassionate leadership is already underway.
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