Merit pay at the Vatican

For faithful Catholics, serving the church is supposed to be its own reward; but now some of those working at its highest levels also have a material incentive to do their best.

Under a new policy, Vatican employees—whose salary levels have traditionally been determined strictly by seniority—will also be rewarded for "dedication, professionalism, productivity and politeness" on the job.

Christmas bonuses for Cardinals? No, the policy applies only to lay employees, not clergy or religious.