New Pope Secures $83 Million Compensation Package
The Vatican revealed today that Pope Benedict XVI, who succeeded Pope John Paul II, was awarded $83 million in total compensation, to be paid over a term of 15 years. The compensation package includes $2 million in annual salary, $1.5 million in annual retirement contributions, and Catholicism stock options valued at nearly $43 million. Pope Benedict will also be eligible for up to $50 million in stock awards if he hits annual performance targets. Other benefits include exclusive use of the Pope-mobile, personal use of Vatican aircraft and the opportunity to appoint Sainthood to the Beatle of his choice (provided it is not Ringo Starr).
The Vatican revealed today that Pope Benedict XVI, who succeeded Pope John Paul II, was awarded $83 million in total compensation, to be paid over a term of 15 years. The compensation package includes $2 million in annual salary, $1.5 million in annual retirement contributions, and Catholicism stock options valued at nearly $43 million. Pope Benedict will also be eligible for up to $50 million in stock awards if he hits annual performance targets. Other benefits include exclusive use of the Pope-mobile, personal use of Vatican aircraft and the opportunity to appoint Sainthood to the Beatle of his choice (provided it is not Ringo Starr).