Economics: The economy of Francesco and the role of taxation

Press/Media: Expert Comment

Period11 Mar 2025

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleEconomics: The economy of Francesco and the role of taxation
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryNetherlands
    Date11/03/25
    DescriptionThe concept of sustainable development is central to the Economy of Francesco. In his 2020 message to the participants in this initiative, Pope Francis explicitly linked the concept of integral human development (defined by Pope Paul VI as “the development of each person and the whole person”) to the international dimension, particularly to cooperation on equal footing between richer and poorer countries. According to Pope Francis, “it is legitimate to call for the development of a model of international solidarity capable of acknowledging and respecting interdependence between nations and favoring mechanisms of control that prevent any kind of subjection.” Pope Francis is, therefore, proposing a model of international cooperation based on inclusivity, regardless of the undoubtedly stronger negotiating position of richer countries.

    Taxation is – indeed – one of the most effective means to achieve redistribution of wealth. On the one hand, through its budgetary function, taxation generates the revenues essential for the realization and provision of the common good (public services and public goods). On the other hand, a fair tax system – particularly through the ability-to-pay principle (whereby taxes are levied on the basis of each taxpayer’s ability to pay them) – contributes to a solidarity-based participation in the common good. As a result, the poor – though contributing less – has an equal right to access essential public services. Therefore, a fair tax system ensures equity between taxpayers, both in terms of contribution to and benefits derived from the common good.
    URLhttps://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/theology/about/economy-francis-and-role-taxation
    PersonsCarla De Pietro

Keywords

  • Economy of Francesco; sustainable development; taxation; sustainable development goals; united nations agenda for sustainable development; inclusive and effective international tax cooperation; developing countries; equality