Pope Leo XIV hands Vatican financial control to a 36-year-old Liechtenstein Princess

August 15, 2026 - 10:53

Pope Leo XIV has named Gisela Bergmann, a 36-year-old wealth manager and daughter of Prince Michael of Liechtenstein, to a senior advisory position overseeing Vatican financial operations. The appointment marks a significant shift in how the Holy See plans to manage its assets, bringing in outside expertise from European private banking circles.

Bergmann, who has spent over a decade working in asset management and family office structures, will work directly with the Vatican's economic council. Her role focuses on improving transparency, streamlining investment strategies, and modernizing reporting systems. She is not a nun or a theologian, but a financial professional with a track record of handling complex portfolios.

The move is seen as part of the Pope's broader effort to clean up Vatican finances, which have faced scrutiny over mismanagement and opaque dealings in recent years. Bergmann's appointment signals a willingness to bring in secular specialists, even from aristocratic backgrounds, to address long-standing issues.

Her father, Prince Michael, is known for his own business ventures and conservative financial views, but Bergmann has built her career independently, working in Zurich and Vienna. She holds a master's degree in finance and has advised several European foundations.

Vatican insiders say the Pope was impressed by her pragmatic approach and her ability to communicate complex financial data in simple terms. Bergmann will not hold a decision-making vote on spending, but her recommendations will carry weight in budget planning and asset allocation.

This is the first time a woman from a ruling European family has taken such a hands-on financial role inside the Vatican. While the position is technically advisory, observers note that her proximity to the Pope and her technical skills give her real influence. The Vatican has not disclosed her compensation, but officials say the role is voluntary, in line with other external advisors.

Bergmann is expected to begin her work immediately, starting with a review of the Vatican's real estate holdings and its investments in global markets.