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

Pope Francis gestures during a meeting with participants of the International Catext Conference in the Vatican on September 10, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis told Italian business leaders on Thursday that taxes were an “often misunderstood” instrument of social justice and an example of government abuse of power. said it shouldn’t.

The Argentinian-born pope made a speech ahead of the general elections in Italy on September 25.The country is notorious for rampant tax evasion, and a right-wing coalition promising deep tax cuts is headed for a clear victory.Read more

“What taxes and obligations are in the modern world and democracies is very important. [they are] It’s a form of sharing that is often misunderstood,” Francis told members of Confindustria, Italy’s main business lobby.

In his speech, the pope urged business leaders to share wealth in other ways, such as charity, adherence to fair wage policies and creating new jobs, especially for young people.

“Taxes, as stipulated in the Italian Constitution, must be set justly and equitably on the basis of each person’s ability to pay.

“The tax system and administration should be efficient and not corrupt. But taxes should not be seen as embezzlement,” he added.

Reported by Alvise Armellini Edited by Keith Weir

Our Standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.