Pope Francis announces pension scheme for 4,500 Vatican employees on birthday

Pope Francis celebrated his 71st birthday on Monday, but the real highlight of the day was a surprise gift for the Vatican’s 4,500 staff members. In a quiet ceremony at the Apostolic Palace, the pontiff announced a new pension scheme that will give employees a guaranteed retirement benefit after 30 years of service. The announcement came with a small celebration of the Pope’s own milestone, but the focus quickly shifted to the long‑awaited benefit for the people who run the world’s largest religious institution.

The move is significant because Vatican workers have long complained about low wages and limited benefits. Many clerks, janitors, and support staff earn between €15,000 and €20,000 a year and have no pension or health‑care coverage that rivals other European public sector jobs. In 2022, the Vatican faced criticism from workers’ unions and the media over its “zero‑budget” approach to staff welfare. Pope Francis, who has repeatedly spoken about the dignity of work, has made improving employee conditions a priority since his first year in office. The new pension plan, which will pay a monthly stipend of up to €500 a month in retirement, is a concrete step toward addressing those concerns.

The announcement was met with cheers from the staff gathered in the courtyard, and a few employees shared their gratitude on social media. Vatican officials said the scheme