A bill introduced in Congress aims to protect the U.S. citizenship of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. The Holy Sovereignty Protection Act (H.R. 4501) would exempt American popes from federal tax obligations during their papacy. The bill was introduced by Republican Congressman Jeff Hurd of Colorado. Concerns arose in the Vatican regarding potential legal complications due to Pope Leo XIV's U.S. citizenship, including tax obligations and asset disclosure. The bill seeks to prevent the pope from having to renounce his U.S. citizenship.
5 months ago
A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress, the Holy Sovereignty Protection Act (H.R. 4501), aims to safeguard the U.S. citizenship of any American elected as the supreme pontiff and exempt them from federal tax obligations during their tenure 1 3. Introduced on July 18 by Republican Congressman Jeff Hurd of Colorado, the legislation seeks to address potential legal complexities arising from the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope 1 3.
The bill was prompted by concerns within the Holy See regarding Pope Leo XIV's U.S. citizenship 1. Vatican officials have privately discussed the possibility of Pope Leo XIV renouncing his U.S. passport due to potential obligations to file U.S. tax returns and disclose income and assets, which could include Vatican funds under papal control 1. Congressman Hurd emphasized that the bill recognizes the extraordinary nature of the papacy and ensures an American pope can lead without risking citizenship or facing unnecessary tax burdens 1 3.
If passed, the Holy Sovereignty Protection Act would explicitly prevent an American pope's citizenship from being revoked while in office and exempt them from U.S. tax obligations and filing requirements 1 3. Currently, U.S. citizens are required to file annual tax returns and are subject to taxation on their worldwide income, regardless of residence 1 3. While the U.S. State Department reviews cases of U.S. nationals becoming foreign heads of state, it generally presumes they wish to retain citizenship unless an intent to relinquish is clearly established 1 3.
Despite addressing tax and citizenship issues, the bill would not protect an American pope from potential civil lawsuits 1. Concerns have been raised in Rome about whether Pope Leo XIV's U.S. citizenship could lead to him being personally named as a respondent in civil cases against the Catholic Church in U.S. courts, potentially challenging the Holy See's sovereign immunity 1. While legal experts consider such attempts unlikely to succeed, they would likely lead to lengthy litigation 1.
The Holy Sovereignty Protection Act has garnered support from six other Republican co-sponsors, including Representatives Mike Kelly (PA), Stephanie Bice (OK), Glenn Grothman (WI), Michael Lawler (NY), Brian Jack (GA), and Charles Fleischmann (TN) 1. Four of these co-sponsors are Catholic 1. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 3.
What is the Church's stance on temporal power and citizenship?
The Catholic Church distinguishes between its spiritual mission and the temporal affairs of the State, while encouraging active and responsible participation of its members in political life for the common good .
The Church and the political community are distinct and autonomous in their respective spheres, due to their different configurations and ends . The Church's mission is religious and moral, not political, economic, or technical . It does not assert itself through power politics and respects the specific area of responsibility of the State, without directly interfering in the management of temporal affairs . This distinction is a recognized value in contemporary civilization .
However, this autonomy does not mean independence from moral law. The Church's Magisterium aims to instruct and illuminate the consciences of the faithful, especially those in political life, so that their actions promote the integral human person and the common good . The Church's social doctrine is not an intrusion into the governance of individual countries, but rather a call for moral coherence from lay Catholics .
While not directly involved in political governance, the Church cannot remain silent on ethical and spiritual values that she is entrusted to propagate . These values align with human dignity, rights, liberties, and the pursuit of true progress through tolerance, mutual assistance, justice, and brotherhood . The Church seeks to shed the light of the Gospel on all areas of individual and societal life, safeguarding the transcendent value of the person . Many social problems, including political ones, have roots in the moral order, which is the object of the Church's evangelizing and teaching task .
The Church encourages initiatives that serve human dignity and integral progress, always promoting the spiritual and religious dimension of the person . She assists people in forming their consciences correctly and strengthens the spiritual and moral bases of society .
Active participation in public life is a moral obligation and a virtue for Catholics . Citizens have a duty to contribute to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom . This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person .
The Church praises and esteems those who dedicate themselves to the public good and take on the burdens of public office . Catholics are encouraged to assume their full responsibility as citizens and to seek paths that promote societal progress . This involves promoting political freedom, working for peace, and helping others live a truly human life .
Lay faithful are called to participate in various economic, social, legislative, administrative, and cultural areas to promote the common good . This participation should be guided by moral convictions rather than attachment to a political party, and should aim to transform the party if necessary, rather than allowing the party to transform them away from fundamental moral truths . The spirit of service, competence, and efficiency are fundamental elements in the exercise of political power .
The Second Vatican Council emphasizes that it is fully in conformity with human nature for juridico-political structures to offer all citizens the effective possibility of freely and actively participating in the establishment of legal foundations, governance, and election of leaders . Those with a talent for politics are encouraged to prepare themselves and engage in political activity, forgetting personal convenience and material interests .
In summary, while the Church maintains its distinct spiritual authority, it actively promotes and expects its members to engage responsibly in temporal affairs, guided by moral principles, to foster the common good and human dignity .