Charles Esther
Pope Leo XIV has approved new measures to enhance family-related benefits for employees of the Vatican.
The changes include extended paternity leave, improved rights for parents of disabled children, and the introduction of family subsidies.
New Provisions Published and Signed by Vatican Official
A document outlining these “Provisions for the Family” was published on August 11 and signed by Maximino Caballero, prefect of the Secretariat for Financial Affairs of the Holy See.
These provisions were approved by the pope after a meeting on July 28.
The resolutions had previously received unanimous support from the council of the Labor Office of the Holy See (ULSA), which includes representatives from various Vatican departments and employee groups.
Paternity Leave Increased to Five Fully Paid Days
The pope established that fathers are now entitled to five days of fully paid paternity leave following the birth of their child.
The leave must be taken as full working days, either consecutively or separately, within 30 days of the child’s birth.
Failure to take the leave within this period results in losing the entitlement.
This builds on earlier reforms by Pope Francis that expanded paternity leave from one to three days in 2022, and then to five days earlier this year.
Paid Leave for Parents of Severely Disabled Children
Parents of children with certified severe disabilities are granted three days of paid leave each month.
This leave can be taken consecutively provided the child is not hospitalized full-time.
New Family Subsidies for Disabled and Incapacitated Members
The Vatican has introduced monthly subsidies for families caring for severely disabled or incapacitated members, including pensioners in similar conditions.
Definitions of disability and incapacity have been updated, with evaluations conducted by the Vatican Medical Association.
Their decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Restrictions on Work During Leave for Disabled Care
To support families caring for disabled members, the policy prohibits using this time off for other employment.
Expanded Family Subsidies for Students
Family subsidies have been extended to adult children who are students.
Support continues until age 20 for secondary education and until age 26 for university or equivalent studies recognized by the Holy See.
Implementation and Publication
These provisions will take effect once they are officially published in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis (Acts of the Apostolic See).
David Awoyode