Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, faces unique tax obligations as the first American pope. Unlike recent popes from other countries who were exempt from taxes while living abroad, he must comply with U.S. tax laws unless he renounces his citizenship. As a member of the clergy, he is not exempt from U.S. tax filing requirements, and even with the potential for income exclusion, earnings from the Vatican mean he will need to file and likely engage an accountant to navigate the complexities of his financial situation. This marks an unprecedented scenario in papal history.
"Recent popes from Poland, Germany and Argentina were not taxed by their home countries," said Jared Walczak, a vice president of the Tax Foundation, who called the first American pope's accounting situation "uncharted."
"American citizens abroad must generally file tax returns if their income level and other personal circumstances would require them to file if they were living in the U.S."
"When I need money to buy shoes or something, I ask for it," is how the late Pope Francis once explained the informal nature of the pope's financial needs.
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