Pope Leo XIV is quietly courting conservative American Catholics and deep-pocketed MAGA-aligned donors in a bid to rescue the Vatican from mounting financial peril, according to sources familiar with the effort. The overtures reflect a deliberate pivot from his predecessor’s progressive posture as the new pontiff moves swiftly to rebuild trust—and replenish depleted coffers.
The Holy See posted a staggering €83 million deficit in 2024, more than double the losses of prior years, as reported by Reuters. The fiscal crunch has been sharpened by a sharp drop in American contributions, historically the Vatican’s largest source of external support. Donor fatigue under Pope Francis—fueled by leftward doctrinal shifts and financial scandals like the Vatican bank’s botched London real estate deal—has left a vacuum Pope Leo now seems determined to fill.
A recent Vatican News post on Twitter promoted donations to Peter’s Pence, urging the faithful to support the new pontiff’s mission to “proclaim the Gospel” and aid the vulnerable.
Support the steps of Pope Leo XIV — Donate to Peter's Pence
With your donation to Peter's Pence, you offer tangible support as the Holy Father takes his first steps as Pope. Help him proclaim the Gospel to the world and extend a hand to our brothers and sisters in need.
Donate… pic.twitter.com/0MXLuZtgIF
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) June 26, 2025
According to Politico, insiders say Leo’s reputation for managerial competence played a decisive role in his election. “Talking to some of the biggest donors in the country, they’re absolutely thrilled,” a conservative Catholic figure told the outlet, noting enthusiasm even as major donations remain unconfirmed.
Pope Leo has made early symbolic gestures to woo the Church’s traditionalist base, including a return to the historic papal apartments and the revival of Latin liturgy during Mass—moves warmly received by many disaffected donors. His election coincided with “America Week,” a donor-heavy event in Rome where private pledges reportedly approached €1 billion, contingent upon the ascension of a pope aligned with their values.
Internally, Leo’s administration has authorized staff bonuses and launched a comprehensive audit of the Vatican’s vast real estate portfolio in search of untapped revenue streams.
Though Pope Leo has spoken of broader reforms, his early focus appears clear: revive the Vatican’s financial lifeline by mending frayed ties with American benefactors. Whether that strategy will deliver material results remains uncertain—but the intent, at least, is no longer in doubt.
Leo was elected earlier in the year and is the first ever Pope from the United States of America. He was born and raised in Illinois.
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