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When the Pope Benedict XVI announced in 2013 that he would resign, causing universal shock to the Roman Catholic Church. In fact, it was the first time in more than 600 years that the election of a new pope was not due to death.
However, the Vatican did not have answers to all the questions that arose from the specific decision of the Pope who wanted to resign from his duties rather than continue them until the end of his life. What would they call him, what privileges would he have, where would he live, if he retired? And if so, how much would it be?
Pope Benedict XVI made some of the decisions himself, while on other issues he consulted with other members of the Vatican to answer all questions. He announced that he would retain his papal name, Benedict, instead of reverting to his real name, Joseph Radzinger, he would also retain the title “His Holiness, Benedict XVI,” while referring to him as “honorary pope,” according to the CBC. However, the typical papal ring, seal and red shoes would no longer be his.
As “Honorary Pope”, Benedict XVI receives pension worth 2,500 euros at the beginning of 2021, an amount common to retired bishops (technically the Pope is the bishop of Rome). However, according to The Independent, if Pope Francis decides to make Benedict an Honorary Cardinal, Benedict’s pension would double to 5,000 euros a month.
A not inconsiderable retirement salary, since he lives without rent in Mater Ecclesiae, a former convent renovated in the Vatican, while the Roman catholic church covers all your living expenses, as well as the salary of your personal secretary. The former pope is also covered by the Vatican’s private healthcare policy, according to The Independent.
Overall, this is a much better retirement plan than the last Pope to resign. According to Britannica, when Pope Celestine V announced his resignation in 1294 after only five months in the papacy, his successor, Pope Boniface VIII, became concerned that Celestine V was a threat to his “career.” So he was imprisoned in a castle. . Celestine V died shortly after her incarceration.
