Vatican City, August 11, 2025  – Pope Leo XIV has endorsed an important rescript—published today—expanding the labor rights of Vatican City State employees, with special attention to families and child welfare. Among the most notable measures:

• Paid parental leave:  Fathers are entitled to five paid working days, which can be taken in a single block or in installments within 30 days of the birth, with full pay and no impact on seniority.
• Leave to care for children with severe disabilities:  Employees whose children have severe disabilities, duly certified by a Medical Association, may take three paid days per month to care for them. During this period, they may not work in any other paid capacity, unless expressly authorized by the competent authority.
• Updated family subsidy:  The requirements for receiving this benefit were specified, including that adult children may receive it while pursuing secondary school (up to age 20) or university (up to age 26), provided they present valid academic credentials.

The document was presented by the prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, Maximino Caballero Ledo, and received the Pope’s approval during an audience on July 28.

These reforms demonstrate Leo XIV’s commitment to combining tradition with a pastoral vision sensitive to the reality of the family, adapting the regulations to the daily challenges and needs of Vatican workers.