Holy Fathers | Pope offers monthly 'baby bonus' to Vatican employees, expands paid paternity leave

Pope Francis has announced a novel perk for full-time employees of the Vatican, as part of an ongoing attempt to improve low birth rates.

A communique from the Governorate of Vatican City State, sent on 15 January, said that families with three or more children will receive a monthly bonus of €300 (approximately £250).

The Vatican will also increase paid paternity leave from three days to five days.

What is the Pope’s ‘personal initiative’ for full-time Vatican employees?

The Head of the Catholic Church is seemingly just as happy to fulfil the role of Head of Human Resources for the Vatican, with the communique describing the policy as “a personal initiative of the Holy Father.”