Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Pope Leo XIV Eyes U.S.-Style Fundraising to Plug Vatican Budget Gap

Facing a structural deficit exceeding €50 million alongside a €1 billion pension fund gap, he aims to apply American fundraising techniques

FILE - Faithful holds an American flag following the election of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
FILE - AN exterior view of the offices of the Vatican bank IOR in Vatican City, Jan. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis, File)
FILE - Pope Leo XIV, then Apostolic Administrator of Chiclayo Robert Prevost, attends a Corpus Christi celebration at a stadium in Chiclayo, Peru, Friday, June 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Julio Reano, File)
FILE - A flag from the United States waves from the crowd as Pope Leo XIV appears at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, May 11, 2025.(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

Overview

  • Vatican’s central government relies on donations, museum ticket fees, investments and a real estate portfolio
  • Plunging contributions have deepened a chronic €50-60 million annual shortfall and a €1 billion pension deficit
  • Lacking taxes or bond issuance, the Holy See has limited fiscal tools to address its budget crisis
  • U.S.-style fundraising could tap into energized American Catholics following the election of the first U.S. pontiff
  • Leo’s skills in mathematics, canon law and two terms leading the Augustinian order shape his approach to financial reform