Pope Leo XIV approves measures in favor of families working in the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV has approved a series of measures that favor families working in the Vatican, expanding paternity permits, parents’ rights with disabled children and the granting of family subsidies.

In a document published on August 11 and signed by Maximino Caballero, Prefect of the Secretariat of Economic Affairs of the Holy See, the “Providence in favor of the family” approved by the Holy Father after an audience on July 28 are listed.

These determinations were previously accepted unanimously within the Council of the ULSA, an agency composed of representatives of both various entities of the Holy See and the Vatican Governorate, as well as their respective employees.

5 remunerated days of low paternity

As for the paternity permit, the Pontiff establishes that the employee has the right to five days of paid permission after the birth of a child. In addition, it is established that the father will receive 100% of his salary.

The text specifies that “they are understood as working days, they can be enjoyed continuously or fractionally by whole and not for hours, and not beyond thirty days since your child is born under penalty of the expiration of the right.”

In January 2025, Pope Francis expanded permission for paternity of three to five days, a measure already modified in 2022, when one to three days was increased.

Families with children with disabilities

Children’s parents with verified severe disabilities will be entitled to three days of paid permission per month, which can be enjoyed continuously, provided that the child is not admitted full time.

In addition, a monthly subsidy is introduced for families with members with severe or inhabile disabilities, as well as for pensioners who are in the same situation.

The document also redefines the concepts of disability and disability, specifying that the assessment will be carried out by a medical school in the Vatican, whose opinion will be “unappealable.”

Finally, to favor assistance to relatives with disabilities, it is arranged that the permits granted for this purpose will be incompatible with the exercise of another work activity.

Family subsidy

As for family subsidy, Pope Leo XIV has expanded the right for children of legal age who are students. They will be able to receive this help until 20 years in secondary studies and up to 26 in university studies or equivalents recognized by the Holy See.

The provisions, approved by the Pontiff, will enter into force since their official publication in the Acta Apostolic See.