Pope Francis boosts family support for Vatican employees
Starting in the new year, Pope Francis has introduced a new allowance of £260 for families with multiple children who are employees of the Governorate of Vatican City State. He has also extended paid paternity leave. This initiative is noted as the Pope's personal decision.
The benefit, which is valid from 2025, supports families with at least three children. It also benefits families with children up to 18 years old or those continuing their education until the age of 24.
The Pope introduces the 300 plus programme
A monthly allowance of £260 will be provided to large families of employees of the Governorate of Vatican City State. This encompasses the majority of those employed in the Vatican.
Most of the more than 4,000 lay employees working in the Vatican are employed within various offices and institutions of the Governorate of Vatican City State. The Vatican's structure includes 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 following the birth of a child from three to five days. The right to such special leave has also been extended to adoptive fathers and legal guardians.
It was emphasised that Francis communicated these personal decisions to Cardinal Fernando Vergez Alzaga, president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, and Sister Raffaella Petrini, secretary-general. According to the statement, the Pope instructed them to implement these plans immediately during the audience.
