Taxes can be key to social justice, Pope tells business leaders

Pope Francis made a statement at the meeting with the participants of the International Congress of Catechists at the Vatican on September 10, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

VATICAN CITY, Sept 12 (Reuters) – Taxes are an “often misunderstood” tool of social justice and should not be seen as an example for the government to abdicate, Pope Francis told an audience of Italian business leaders on Monday.

The Argentine-born pope spoke ahead of a Sept. 25 general election in Italy, a country notorious for tax evasion, where a right-wing coalition of big tax cuts is on course for a clear victory. Read more

“What taxes and duties are most important in the modern world and democracy, [they are] Francis spoke to members of Confindustria, Italy’s main business lobby.

In his speech, the Pope urged business leaders to share their wealth with charity, by following a fair wage policy, especially by creating new job opportunities for the youth.

“Taxes should be fair, equitable, based on each person’s ability to pay,” Francesco said.

“The tax system and administration should be efficient and not corrupt. Taxes should not be treated as exploitation,” he added.

By Alvise Armellini Reporting by Keith Weir

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