The Pope eats a modest diet of simple, fresh foods like fruits, salads, baked chicken, pasta, and gnocchi, often reflecting his Argentinian roots with dishes like empanadas, but also includes regional favorites from previous popes, such as Polish pierogi or German cookies, with meals being simple and hearty, occasionally featuring wine and even pizza, though always prepared with reverence.
Normally, I go to bed at 9 and read until about 10,” when he falls asleep. He wakes at 4 a.m. without an alarm. “But then I need a siesta. I have to sleep 40 minutes to an hour; I take off my shoes and lie down.” When he skips the nap, he said, “I feel it.”
Next, a vacuum-like needle is used to remove fluids from the abdomen, and more embalming fluid is inserted. This step is important to remove harmful microbes and prevent bloating or odour. The Vatican follows modern methods, but in earlier times, Popes were embalmed using traditional techniques.
The pope's brother John Prevost confirmed that the pontiff ate his six-inch Aurelio's pepperoni pizza, which was shipped using dry ice, the medical unit from Chicago's WGN-TV reported.
Strict protocol and food restrictions aside, the meals Scappi describes sound bountiful and balanced, including salad, fruit, charcuterie, wine and fresh water. Likewise, he describes comfortable accommodations for the cardinals.
Pope Francis's favourite meal: empanadas, steak and ice-cream.
What are his assets? Pope Francis is known for his humility, having refused to accept the $32,000 monthly salary from the Catholic Church. Instead, he donates or passes on the money. Although he has many assets related to his position, he is estimated to be worth $16 million.
One of the sacrifices he made during his life was giving up television for a very specific reason. Pope Francis revealed in quite a candid way the reason behind his self-imposed television ban which lasted for nearly 35 years.
Pope Francis says homosexuality is a sin but not a crime. VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as "unjust," saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.
Every person I know who has spoken to him, he tells them, "Go eat ice cream from my friend, Sebastián!” Sebastián confesses that Pope Francis usually orders lemon ice cream, dulce de leche, and mango.
For generations, Vatican tradition dictated that popes be buried in a set of three coffins: a cypress coffin symbolizing humility and mortality, a lead coffin to preserve the remains and prevent tampering, and finally an outer oak coffin reflecting dignity and strength.
The stages of death include: Pallor mortis: The main change that occurs is increased paleness because of the suspension of blood circulation. This is the first sign and occurs quickly, within 15-30 minutes of death.
Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has long battled health problems, especially bouts of acute bronchitis in winter.
However, they do have access to various amenities, including car access, travel privileges, and more. In fact, the Vatican covers all of the Pope's expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and other necessities, through stipends and allowances.
It is better to avoid Wednesdays and weekends if you're on a tight schedule because the city has a tendency to be a bit busier on those days. On that note, April to October can be one of the best times to visit the Vatican Museums, especially on Friday nights, when it is much less crowded.
Ancient Rome's social elite, mostly influenced by Greek models, also kept a pretty relaxed attitude towards same-sex encounters, which were almost the norm among the upper class, emperors included. The stars went to Nero, who allegedly married two of his freedmen, and Trajan, famous for his fondness for boys.
Pius IX's liberal policies initially made him very popular throughout Italy. He appointed an able and enlightened minister, Pellegrino Rossi, to administer the Papal States. He also showed himself hostile to Austrian influences, delighting Italian patriots, who hailed him as the coming redeemer of Italy.
Throughout the Catholic Church, East as well as West, a priest may not marry after ordination. In the Eastern Catholic Churches, a married priest is one who married before being ordained. The Roman Catholic Church considers the law of clerical celibacy to be not a doctrine, but a discipline.
In our convents every Sister has access to a telephone. There are some ministries that come with a cellphone. These Sisters are given a cellphone, because it is necessary to their service. In Arizona, our ministry on the Indian Reservation requires us to each have a cellphone because of safety reasons.
The second commandment forbids us using God's name in a disrespectful or hateful way. Like in false oaths or insults. When people say oh my God out of surprise at something shocking, good or bad, it's usually not sinful.
An overworked priest is a less effective priest, so fun and recreation are essential. Whether it be playing football, swimming, going to watch a rugby match, reading, listening to music, going to the cinema, eating out or any other wholesome recreation a priest needs to have some quality time for himself.
In December 2024, Francis received the Vatican's first-ever all-electric popemobile, an all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. During his funeral in April 2025, a Ram 1500-based popemobile was used to transport Francis' coffin to his burial place, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
He doesn't fly on a private jet, but instead charters full-sized passenger airliners. These state trips can cost tens of millions of dollars, but the Vatican doesn't foot the bill.
As of Jan 11, 2026, the average annual pay for a Catholic Church Cardinal in the United States is $35,108 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $16.88 an hour. This is the equivalent of $675/week or $2,925/month.