The Vatican said Thursday that Pope Francis, known for his frugal ways, had decided Vatican employees won’t be getting the bonus that traditionally comes with the election of a new pope.
In the past, the Vatican’s 4,500-plus workers — both religious and lay — would get an extra little something upon the death of one pope and another upon the election of his successor: In 2005, the total reportedly came to 1,500 euros (nearly $2,000) apiece.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said that given tough economic times — the Vatican posted a 15 million-euro deficit in 2011 — «it didn’t seem possible or appropriate to burden the Vatican’s budget with a considerable, unforeseen extra expense.»
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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In the past, the Vatican’s 4,500-plus workers — both religious and lay — would get an extra little something upon the death of one pope and another upon the election of his successor: In 2005, the total reportedly came to 1,500 euros (nearly $2,000) apiece.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said that given tough economic times — the Vatican posted a 15 million-euro deficit in 2011 — «it didn’t seem possible or appropriate to burden the Vatican’s budget with a considerable, unforeseen extra expense.»
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
USA NOW
Dramatic images of Boston manhunt: USA NOW video
Apr 19, 2013