VATICAN CITY, Holy See (AFP) — Vatican employees have expressed dissatisfaction with their management in a first-ever poll of staff published this week by an association of lay workers in the world’s smallest state.

The survey was carried out by the Association of Vatican Lay Staff, which represents around 300 people. Vatican employees are not allowed to form trade unions.

The Vatican’s lay work force — most of whom live outside Vatican walls — numbers around 4,000 people and includes cooks, gardeners and cleaners.

There were 250 respondents in the poll carried out between December 15 and January 7, and 73.9 per cent said there was a “disconnect” with management, the association said in a statement on its website.

An even higher proportion — 75.9 per cent — said they felt undervalued and de-motivated.

Contacted by AFP, an association representative said the poll was the first on labour conditions for Vatican staff.

The association said it was “particularly concerned” by the fact that 56 per cent of respondents said they had “suffered injustice and harassment from their manager”.

The late Pope Francis had a sometimes fractious relationship with Vatican staff, and some employees have expressed to AFP hopes for a change under Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded him last year.

One of the US pope’s first moves was reportedly reinstating a 500-euro ($585) bonus for Vatican employees for the election of a new pontiff.

Respondents to the labour conditions poll were asked about “possible suggestions to put to the pope if the occasion arose”.

The association said a majority of respondents called for “dignity, a voice and real protection for staff through representation, transparency, dialogue and respect”.

The Vatican, headquarters of the Catholic Church, has its own newspaper, national anthem in Latin and supreme leader: the pope.

Around 900 people live within its ancient walls, from the pontiff himself to red-capped cardinals, nuns, priests, diplomats, and lay people.

Employees earn tax-free salaries and have free medical care, but cannot form or join unions.