Patrick tackled one of the strangest questions to hit the Wall Street Journal lately:
Does the first American Pope have to file U.S. taxes?

 

It’s not as simple as “render unto Caesar.”

 

 

🧾 Wait... The IRS and the Pope?!

 

Here’s the deal: Patrick explains that U.S. citizens have to file taxes, even if they don't live in the country. So technically, yes, Pope Leo XIV might be required to file a return.


But... he’s also a religious with a vow of poverty, meaning he doesn’t personally own anything. Any stipend or salary he’s ever received has gone to the Order of St. Augustine, which is tax-exempt.

 

So, the IRS probably isn't expecting a form from the Vatican anytime soon

.

 

🍬 What Would He Even Spend Money On?

 

Patrick and Cyrus had fun imagining Pope Leo walking into a shop in his white cassock and trying to buy a candy bar:

 

“Are you going to ring him up at the register, or just say, ‘Holy Father, it’s yours. Please just bless my store!’” 😂

 

The Pope doesn’t exactly need a paycheck. His lodging, food, clothing... it’s all provided. There’s just not a lot of financial action happening in papal life.

 

 

Should He File Anyway?

 

Some tax experts say yes, just to be safe:

 

-Filing protects against identity theft.

 

-It starts the clock on the IRS’s audit window.

 

-It shows civic responsibility, even if no taxes are owed.

 

But Patrick’s guess is:

 

“Pope Leo’s not going to sit at his desk with a calculator and TurboTax open.”



 

Is the IRS going to arrest the Pope for skipping a W-2?


Very unlikely.


But it’s a funny, very modern dilemma that shows what happens when centuries of tradition meet the fine print of U.S. tax law.

 

And as Cyrus put it: “You’re the Pope. You don’t have to file.”

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Patrick tackled one of the strangest questions to hit the Wall Street Journal lately: Does the first American Pope have to file U.S. taxes?
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s not as simple as &ldquo;render unto Caesar.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="322" data-end="325">
&nbsp;
🧾 Wait... The IRS and the Pope?!
&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s the deal: Patrick explains that U.S. citizens have to file taxes, even if they don't live in the country. So technically, yes, Pope Leo XIV might be required to file a return.
 But... he&rsquo;s also a religious with a vow of poverty, meaning he doesn&rsquo;t personally own anything. Any stipend or salary he&rsquo;s ever received has gone to the Order of St. Augustine, which is tax-exempt.
&nbsp;
So, the IRS probably isn't expecting a form from the Vatican anytime soon
.
<hr data-start="804" data-end="807">
&nbsp;
🍬 What Would He Even Spend Money On?
&nbsp;
Patrick and Cyrus had fun imagining Pope Leo walking into a shop in his white cassock and trying to buy a candy bar:
&nbsp;
<blockquote data-start="959" data-end="1078">
&ldquo;Are you going to ring him up at the register, or just say, &lsquo;Holy Father, it&rsquo;s yours. Please just bless my store!&rsquo;&rdquo; 😂
&nbsp;
</blockquote>
The Pope doesn&rsquo;t exactly need a paycheck. His lodging, food, clothing... it&rsquo;s all provided. There&rsquo;s just not a lot of financial action happening in papal life.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1253" data-end="1256">
&nbsp;
Should He File Anyway?
&nbsp;
Some tax experts say yes, just to be safe:
&nbsp;
-Filing protects against identity theft.
&nbsp;
-It starts the clock on the IRS&rsquo;s audit window.
&nbsp;
-It shows civic responsibility, even if no taxes are owed.
&nbsp;
But Patrick&rsquo;s guess is:
&nbsp;
<blockquote data-start="1511" data-end="1676">
&ldquo;Pope Leo&rsquo;s not going to sit at his desk with a calculator and TurboTax open.&rdquo; 
</blockquote>
<hr data-start="1678" data-end="1681">
&nbsp;
Is the IRS going to arrest the Pope for skipping a W-2?
 Very unlikely.
 But it&rsquo;s a funny, very modern dilemma that shows what happens when centuries of tradition meet the fine print of U.S. tax law.
&nbsp;
And as Cyrus put it: &ldquo;You&rsquo;re the Pope. You don&rsquo;t have to file.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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