Pope Francis to churches: Act charitably, take in immigrants—or give up tax-free status

Pope Francis, the pope of popes, has a message for churches throughout the world—specifically those who have turned to renting out spaces to tourists and operating more like a business than a charitable organization: change your ways or pay taxes like a corporation:

On the eve of a trip to the United States, Pope Francis has called himself a “son of immigrants” and confirmed the point by issuing a blunt warning to any religious orders in Europe that spurn his recent call to open their doors to refugees because they want to make money off their properties instead.

Go ahead, the pope said, but be ready to pay taxes just like everybody else.

“Some religious orders say ‘No, now that the convent is empty we are going to make a hotel and we can have guests, and support ourselves that way, or make money,’” the pontiff said.

“Well, if that is what you want to do, then pay taxes! A religious school is tax-exempt because it is religious, but if it is functioning as a hotel, then it should pay taxes just like its neighbor. Otherwise it is not fair business.”

He made the comments during an interview with a Portuguese radio station. The full interview, including the English translation, can be found here.

Pope Francis heads to Cuba this weekend, followed by his much-anticipated visits to Washington, DC, New York City and Philadelphia.