Quote:
Originally Posted by SHIBUMI
Did you know the Pope gets 33,000$ a month in pay and has no expenses and no taxes. What would Jesus say?
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I don't know what Jesus would say but GrokAI said:
False. The claim that the Pope receives $33,000 a month in pay with no expenses and no taxes is not accurate, based on available information. Here’s a breakdown:
Salary: Historically, popes do not receive a traditional salary. Pope Francis, for instance, explicitly declined any personal salary, and his expenses were covered by the Vatican. However, some sources suggest that Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, may receive a monthly stipend of approximately $33,800 (or €2,500–€3,000 in some reports). This figure is not universally confirmed, and previous popes, like Francis, often donated such funds to charity or declined them entirely. The claim of a fixed $33,000 monthly salary is therefore uncertain and likely overstated for most popes.
Expenses: The Vatican covers the pope’s living expenses, including housing, food, travel, and security. This means the pope does not personally pay for these necessities, which aligns with the claim of “no expenses.” However, the pope may have personal expenses (e.g., charitable donations or minor personal items) that could come from a stipend, if accepted.
Taxes: The claim of “no taxes” is more complex. Vatican City does not impose income taxes on its employees, including the pope, so any stipend received would be tax-free in the Vatican. However, for Pope Leo XIV, a U.S. citizen, U.S. tax law requires citizens living abroad to file tax returns, potentially taxing income earned from working for a foreign government (like the Vatican). While certain exemptions (e.g., foreign earned income exclusion) or the unique nature of the pope’s role might reduce or eliminate tax liability, it’s not accurate to flatly state “no taxes” without considering U.S. obligations. The IRS may issue specific guidance for Leo XIV’s unprecedented situation.
In summary, the statement is false because:
The $33,000 monthly salary is not consistently verified across sources and does not apply to all popes (e.g., Francis declined it).
While the Vatican covers most expenses, personal expenses may still exist.
The “no taxes” claim overlooks potential U.S. tax obligations for an American pope like Leo XIV.
The situation is nuanced, and definitive claims about salary and taxes depend on the specific pope and their citizenship. Always cross-check such claims, as media reports can sensationalize or misrepresent Vatican finances.