Pope Benedict XVI will receive a monthly pension worth about $3,340 when he abdicates on Feb. 28 and becomes Emeritus Bishop of Rome — a payout that could double if he is named Emeritus Cardinal by his successor.
Italian daily newspaper La Stampa states that while the pope’s pension would be 50 percent less than a retired cardinal, it’s likely the new pope will grant him the honorific title of Emeritus Cardinal, in which case his monthly income would double to about $6,690, The Independent reports.
SEE RELATED: Conclave brings out cardinals’ dirty laundry
The next pope could be selected as soon as next month.
The Catholic News Service said the pope would move out to the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo while remodeling work was completed on the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, his eventual home, to the west of St. Peter's Basilica.
The question now is what he’s going to do with the extra dough, since all of his daily needs will be taken care of, from caterers to gardeners.
The pope will take only personal effects and gifts, his piano, his cats and private letters. Everything else will stay.
© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
Jessica Chasmar is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
By Elaine Donnelly
Extending sexual misconduct to combat units
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
The world impacts us. What happens in our towns, cities, states, country and on this planet makes a difference to us.
First over-the-counter column approved for fast and effective relief from even your worst media-induced headache.
A collection of reader guest articles, thoughts and opinions by Communities writers and breaking news and information.
Benghazi: The anatomy of a scandal
13 Photos
Vietnam Memorial adds four names
18 Photos
Cinco de Mayo on the Mall
11 Photos
NRA kicks off annual convention
8 Photos
