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Pope Leo XIV Faces Tax Dilemma: Citizenship at Stake?

5/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, encounters a complex U.S. income tax situation.
Experts estimate his annual income at $400,000, potentially subjecting him to a 35% tax rate.
Income from lectures or publications may require IRS filings, regardless of donations to the Church.
Lack of IRS guidelines on his tax status could lead to diplomatic and fiscal challenges.
It's unclear if Leo XIV will renounce his U.S. citizenship to resolve IRS conflicts.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, encounters a complex U.S. income tax situation.
Experts estimate his annual income at $400,000, potentially subjecting him to a 35% tax rate.
Income from lectures or publications may require IRS filings, regardless of donations to the Church.
Lack of IRS guidelines on his tax status could lead to diplomatic and fiscal challenges.
It's unclear if Leo XIV will renounce his U.S. citizenship to resolve IRS conflicts.