Benedict's Pension: $3.3k/month

By Evann Gastaldo
The Newser
February 19, 2013

http://www.newser.com/story/163090/benedicts-pension-33kmonth.html

In this file picture made available on March 26, 2012, by the Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI wears a Mexican sombrero hat in Leon, Mexico, Sunday, March 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano)

Thinking about "pope" as your career goal? Consider the retirement package, which is apparently around $3,340 per month. That's how much Pope Benedict will get when he abdicates later this month, and while it may seem a bit low for someone who was the leader of the entire Roman Catholic Church, also consider the fact that most if not all of his expenses will be covered by the Vatican after he retires. (He'll be living there, for one thing.)

In fact, the question of "what exactly does he need $3,340 per month for" has already been raised, the Independent reports. And that amount could end up even higher: If Benedict receives the title of emeritus cardinal from the next pope, his pension will double. (He'll be made "Emeritus Bishop of Rome" upon stepping down.) Interestingly, MarketWatch notes that the maximum Social Security benefit a US retiree can earn is $3,350.