From Perfil · · 1m
Papa León XIV's Church Funding Shift in Argentina
Argentina's Catholic Church shifts to self-funding after losing state subsidies.
In brief
Argentina's Catholic Church shifts to self-funding after losing state subsidies. Argentina's Catholic Church now relies on donations through its Faithful Eclesial Financing Program after ending state payments to bishops. Originally reported by Perfil.
Financial Transition in Argentina
Argentina's Catholic Church is moving toward self-funding after ending state payments to bishops.
State Funding Cuts
The government stopped paying bishops under Law 21.950 since the last military dictatorship.
State Payments Decline
State funding for bishops dropped from $124 million in 2017 to $137 million in 2024.
Programa FE Launch
The Church launched the Faithful Eclesial Financing Program in 2020 to generate its own funds.
Donation Growth
Donations to the program grew from $4.5 million in 2021 to $272 million in 2026.
Funding Distribution
Dioceses received 38.2% of funds, parishes 33.4%, the Church 18.09%, and seminaries 9.6%.
New Funding Model
The Church now relies on donations to sustain dioceses, parishes, and seminaries after state funding cuts.
What it means
Argentina's Catholic Church now relies on donations through its Faithful Eclesial Financing Program after ending state payments to bishops.
