Pope Leo has approved new measures introducing fully paid paternity leave for Vatican employees, as outlined in a “Rescriptum” released by the Holy See’s Labor Office. The policy grants fathers five days of leave at 100% of their salary following a child’s birth, with the period counting toward seniority benefits.
The reforms also extend protections for families with severely disabled children, permitting each parent—alternately—to claim three paid days monthly for caregiving, usable consecutively if the child is not in full-time institutional care. To prioritize family support, employees taking this leave are barred from other work activities unless explicitly authorized, and any prior permissions for secondary employment must be revoked during the leave period. These updates amend existing Vatican statutes on family welfare and childcare allowances.