Fact Check: Pope Francis had only $100 as his personal inheritance. He had no bank accounts, no properties or investments to his name.

Fact Check: "Pope Francis had only $100 as his personal inheritance. He had no bank accounts, no properties or investments to his name."

What We Know

The claim that Pope Francis had only $100 as his personal inheritance and no other assets has circulated widely, particularly following his death. Various sources have reported that he had minimal personal wealth, with some stating he had only $100 in his bank account at the time of his passing (source-1, source-3). These claims often highlight his Jesuit vow of poverty and his refusal to accept the traditional papal salary, which is approximately $32,000 per month (source-2).

However, there are significant nuances regarding the definition of "personal wealth" in the context of a pope. While Pope Francis lived a modest lifestyle and donated a substantial amount of money shortly before his death—€200,000, or about $230,000—he also had access to various assets and resources controlled by the Vatican (source-1, source-6).

Analysis

The claim that Pope Francis had only $100 as his personal inheritance lacks sufficient evidence and context. While it is true that he lived a life of simplicity and did not accumulate personal wealth in the traditional sense, the assertion that he had no bank accounts or assets is misleading. Reports indicate that he had some funds in his account, and he made significant charitable donations, which contradicts the notion of having no financial resources (source-1, source-6).

Moreover, the sources propagating the $100 figure often do not provide clear evidence or reliable citations. For example, Celebrity Net Worth is cited as a potential origin of this claim, but it lacks a credible basis for its estimates (source-1). The context of a pope's wealth is also complicated by the fact that the Vatican controls many assets, and a pope's personal wealth does not equate to what he can access or use (source-1).

Additionally, the vow of poverty taken by Jesuits, which Pope Francis adhered to, does not necessarily mean that he could not have any financial resources; rather, it implies a commitment to live simply and without personal ownership of wealth (source-1).

Conclusion

The claim that Pope Francis had only $100 as his personal inheritance and no bank accounts, properties, or investments is False. While he did live a life of simplicity and made significant charitable donations, the assertion overlooks the complexities of his financial situation and the resources available to him as the pope. The lack of credible evidence supporting the $100 figure further undermines the validity of this claim.

Sources

1. Did Pope Francis die with only $100 cash and no other assets?
2. Millionaire Pope? | Gabriel Wu
3. This Is the “Fortune” Pope Francis Left Behind—And It’s ...
4. When Pope Francis died he had only $100 as his personal ...
5. The Mirror Masvingo - X
6. The Humble Legacy of Pope Francis: A Life of Service, Not Wealth
7. Father Jim Sichko on X: "Pope Francis's personal wealth at the ...