Pope celebrates his 71st birthday but it's Vatican employees who get the gift

Key Points:

• Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 71st birthday by repealing the 2021 salary cuts imposed by Pope Francis on many Vatican employees, citing improved economic sustainability within the Holy See and Vatican City State.
• The previous salary reductions included a 10% pay cut for cardinals and smaller cuts for other clergy and staff, implemented as COVID-19 cost-saving measures amid significant financial challenges, including a structural deficit and pension shortfall.
• Leo, known for his financial acumen, has reversed several of Francis' financial decisions, including canceling plans to relocate Vatican archives and library holdings outside the city, opting instead to build new storage facilities within Vatican City.
• On his birthday, Leo visited the Vatican Apostolic Library, highlighting his personal connection through his mother, a librarian, and inaugurated a new exhibition titled "Catastrophe and Marvel," focusing on water and featuring artwork by French artist JR.
• The Vatican Library and archives remain accessible to scholars and researchers, with a public exhibition space available by reservation, emphasizing the institution's commitment to preserving and sharing its vast historical collections.