On the morning of Monday, April 21, 2025, Vatican officials confirmed the death of Pope Francis. The beloved pontiff passed away around 7:30 AM after battling complications from bronchitis that later developed into pneumonia. He had been hospitalized for several days, and his already fragile health deteriorated rapidly.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for shaking things up. From the very beginning, his mission was clear: to create a humble, accessible Church—one that didn’t feel distant or superior to its followers. He consistently challenged the status quo and made compassion, equality, and reform central to his work.
How Much Was Pope Francis Worth When He Died?
After his passing, many expected to hear about wealth, properties, or at least a comfortable financial legacy. But the truth surprised everyone. According to The Mirror, Francis had only $100 USD (around €90) in his bank account when he died. No houses. No investments. No luxury.
Instead of living in the opulent papal apartments, Pope Francis chose to reside in Casa Santa Marta, a modest residence near the Vatican. His lifestyle was intentionally simple—free of extravagance. The Vatican covered his housing, food, and transportation costs, but he never indulged beyond that.
What’s even more inspiring is that, although he was entitled to an annual salary of €340,000 as pope, Francis refused to accept it. As a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), he took a vow of poverty and upheld it until the very end. He lived as he preached.
In an era where headlines often reveal scandals, excess, and hypocrisy among powerful figures, Pope Francis’ final act—a life and death free of wealth—reminds us that true leadership can come without gold. His passing may have broken our hearts, but his example stitched in a message we won’t soon forget.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Carla Martell in Cultura Colectiva.
