Pope Francis boosts support for Vatican families with new aid
Pope Francis introduced a new allowance of approximately 430 Canadian dollars for families with multiple children who are employees of the Governorate of Vatican City State, starting from the new year. He has also extended paid paternity leave. This initiative is noted as the Pope's personal decision.
The benefit, effective 2025, aims to support families with at least three children. Families with children up to 18 years old or continuing education until the age of 24 are eligible for the allowance.
The Pope introduces the 300 plus program
Large families of employees of the Governorate of Vatican City State, which includes the majority of those employed in the Vatican, will receive a monthly allowance of about 430 Canadian dollars.
Most of the more than 4,000 lay employees working in the Vatican are employed in various offices and institutions of the Governorate of Vatican City State. This structure includes, among others, the Vatican Post Office, the Vatican Museums, the pharmacy, and technical services.
Paternity leave extended after the birth of a child
Additionally, the Pope has decided to extend the number of paid days off for fathers upon child birth from three to five days. The right to this special leave has also been extended to adoptive fathers and legal guardians.
It was emphasized that Francis communicated these personal decisions to the President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Cardinal Fernando Vergez Alzaga, and the Secretary-General, Sister Raffaella Petrini. During the audience, it was added that the Pope instructed them to implement these plans immediately.
