The rescript, unveiled on Monday, outlines provisions for paternity leave, enhanced rights for parents of children with severe disabilities, and expanded eligibility for family allowances.
Newsroom (12/08/2025 Gaudium Press) The Vatican has issued a new Rescript, signed by Maximino Caballero Ledo, Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, and approved by Pope Leo XIV, introducing significant enhancements to family support policies for Vatican City State employees. The document, unveiled on Monday, outlines provisions for paternity leave, enhanced rights for parents of children with severe disabilities, and expanded eligibility for family allowances.
The Rescript, which amends the Consolidated Text of Benefits in Favour of the Family and the Rules for the Granting of the Family Allowance, was presented to Pope Leo XIV during an audience with Caballero on 28 July. The measures reflect resolutions from the ULSA Council, a body representing various Holy See entities, the Governorate, and their employees.
Paternity Leave: A Step Forward
A key provision grants Vatican employees five days of paid paternity leave upon the birth of a child. The leave, counted as working days, must be taken consecutively or in full-day increments within 30 days of the birth, or the entitlement is forfeited. During this period, employees receive full pay, with the leave contributing to their length of service.
Support for Families with Disabled Children
The Rescript introduces robust support for parents of children with certified severe disabilities. Each parent is entitled to three days of paid leave per month, which may be taken consecutively, provided the child is not fully hospitalized in a specialized institution. This leave is designed to allow greater time for caregiving, but employees are prohibited from engaging in other work activities during this period, except in cases explicitly authorized by the competent authority.
The assessment of disability severity is determined by a Medical Board, using evaluation tables issued by the Higher Authority upon the proposal of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Governorate. The Board’s decision is final and not subject to appeal. Families with a member recognized as severely disabled or incapacitated by the Medical Board are also eligible for family allowances, a benefit extended to holders of direct, indirect, or survivor Vatican pensions under the same conditions.
Expanded Family Allowances
The Rescript clarifies eligibility for family allowances, broadening the scope to include families with legitimate, legitimated, or equivalent children over 18. For students, allowances are available during secondary studies up to age 20, or throughout university studies—or equivalent programs recognized by the Holy See—up to age 26. Eligibility requires a certificate of enrollment from the relevant educational institution.
A Commitment to Family Welfare
The new measures underscore the Vatican’s commitment to supporting its employees’ family life, aligning workplace policies with the needs of modern families. By prioritizing paternity leave and protections for parents of disabled children, the Rescript reflects a forward-thinking approach to employee welfare within the Vatican City State.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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