Pope to Retire with Pension of 2,000 Pounds a Month

DNA INDIA
February 19, 2013

http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_pope-to-retire-with-pension-of-2000-pounds-a-month_1801573

The Pope could receive a pension of 2,150 pounds a month once he steps down on Feb 28 and goes into retirement within the walls of the Vatican.

The Vatican has indicated that the most likely title for Benedict after his resignation will be Bishop Emeritus of Rome. That would entitle him to a pension of 2,500 euros a month. The Vatican would not confirm the arrangement but its spokesperson, Fr Federico Lombardi, said last week that the Pope would want for nothing. "We will ensure he can live a dignified existence," he said.

The former nunnery in which Benedict XVI will live is a grace-and-favour residence and he will not have to pay rent. His meals and daily living expenses will also be paid for by Vatican state finances and cooking and cleaning will be done by four women from a Catholic organisation called Memores Domini. The personal effects of the 85-year-old Pontiff, including his piano, cats and books, will go to his new residence. Everything else, including furniture and official papers, will either remain in the Apostolic Palace or be transferred to the Vatican archives.