Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after a struggle with long-standing respiratory and joint diseases. Pope Francis served the Catholic Church for 12 years, frequently renowned for his austerity and aversion to personal extravagance.
For the head of one of the world’s wealthiest institutions, Pope Francis personal fortune was unremarkable in papal terms. He declined a salary and worked at reforming the Church’s financial morals. His health ailments, last days, and modest financial estate now call for contemplation of how he lived and what he left behind.
This latest Lamborghini car which cost $200,000 was given to Pope Francis by the car company. After blessing, His Holiness donated it to be auctioned and the proceeds donated to charity organisations in his name.
Our pastors should learn from this.#PoliceBrutalityOnStudents pic.twitter.com/f1zpaKkowm— Eric Ndemange. HSC (@_ericndemange) November 5, 2018
Leader with Enduring Illness
Pope Francis fought illnesses for decades. Chronic bronchitis and pneumonia characterized his last months. In fact, his physicians once thought about releasing him, worried he would not recover.
He had irregular heartbeats and had an operation in 2021 to remove diverticulitis. Knee pain and osteoarthritis kept him a permanent user of wheelchair in his late 80s.
Despite all this, he served until the end. Finally, double pneumonia killed him, just days after he was released from the hospital.
Pope Francis Net Worth and Perks
Many expected the Pope to amass significant wealth. However, his net worth stood at $16 million, as reported by Marca. He never accepted his official $32,000 monthly salary. Instead, he donated or redirected the funds. His net worth mainly reflected institutional assets—residences, five Vatican-assigned cars, and global travel privileges.
Did you know⁉️
The Vatican Catholic Church has the greatest wealth on Earth, with $35 billion in cash, a $17 billion in art collection, and vast reserves of stocks, gold bullion, jewelry, and valuable royal gowns. ⚜️???️ pic.twitter.com/Ct18HadSRW— vegastar (@vegastarr) December 25, 2022
None of it was personally claimed. This modesty aligned with his Jesuit roots, which emphasized poverty and service over material gain.
Salary Refusal and Financial Reform
Pope Francis maintained the Jesuit promise of poverty even after becoming Pope in 2013. The Vatican attested he had never withdrawn funds from the Church—long before he became Pope. He governed with reform as a priority and urged transparency in Church finances.
He frequently condemned extravagance in spiritual life and channeled funds to causes humanitarian. His decisions redefined what it meant to lead at the top of the Church.
Pope Francis did not only alter papal custom, he challenged the overall Church to reexamine wealth, power, and responsibility. His refusal of a salary wasn’t symbolic in nature—it was a declaration.
His last years, filled with bodily affliction, failed to dampen his dedication. Even in death, his legacy burns through humility, not figures.
