The Vatican has introduced new measures regarding paternity leave, rights for parents of children with disabilities, and family allowances. Vatican employees will receive five days of paid leave upon the birth of a child. Parents of disabled children will receive three paid days off each month. The Rescript was signed by the Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy and approved by Pope Leo XIV.
4 months ago
Pope Leo XIV has approved significant new provisions to enhance family benefits and support for Vatican employees, formalizing and expanding existing measures. These "Provisions for the Family" were signed by Maximino Caballero Ledo, prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, following an audience with the Pope on July 28, 2025, and were unanimously accepted by the council of the Labor Office of the Holy See (ULSA) 1 3 4.
The new measures expand paternity leave to five working days, fully paid, for Vatican employees upon the birth of a child 1 3 4. These days can be taken consecutively or individually, but must be utilized within 30 days of the child's birth, or the right is forfeited 1 3 4. This formalizes a previous extension made by Pope Francis in January, which had increased paternity leave from three to five days, building on an earlier increase from one to three days in 2022 1 4 6. The existing maternity leave policy, covering the final month of pregnancy and five months post-child arrival, remains unchanged 6.
Parents of children with certified severe disabilities are now entitled to three paid days of leave per month 1 3 4. These days can be taken consecutively, provided the child is not fully hospitalized in specialized institutions 1 3. To ensure dedicated care, the time off granted for disabled family members cannot be used for other work activities, unless specifically authorized 1 3 4. The document also introduces a monthly subsidy for families and pensioners with severely disabled or incapacitated members 1 4. The assessment of disability and its severity will be carried out by a Vatican Medical Association, whose decision is final and "without appeal" 1 3 4.
The provisions also redefine and expand eligibility for family subsidies 1 4. Family allowances now extend to adult children who are students: up to the age of 20 for secondary school studies and up to 26 for university or equivalent studies recognized by the Holy See 1 3 4. Previously, the age limit for university students was 24 6. Enrollment in these studies must be officially documented 3. Additionally, Vatican employees receive a one-time payment for new babies, currently set at 2,481.88 euros (approximately $2,877) 6.
The new provisions will officially go into effect upon their publication in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis (Acts of the Apostolic See) 1 4. These changes apply to all Vatican employees, including those working for offices of the Roman Curia and the Vatican governor's office, which encompasses entities like the Vatican Museums, post office, police, and fire departments 6.
What is the Church's teaching on family support?
The Catholic Church teaches that the family, founded upon marriage between a man and a woman, is the fundamental unit of human society and holds a central role in God's plan . The Church emphasizes the importance of supporting families in their mission, recognizing them as "domestic churches" and primary centers of evangelization and education .
The Church emphasizes the need for both ecclesial and societal support for families:
In summary, the Church's teaching on family support is comprehensive, encompassing the family's divine origin, its essential role in society and the Church, and the need for robust support from both ecclesial communities and civil authorities to enable families to fulfill their vital mission of love, life, and evangelization.