Pope Francis spoke to workers from the Italian government’s tax collection agency on Monday and told them that taxation “must favor the redistribution of wealth.”

“As is often said, in fact, the taxman is seen as a ‘putting their hands in their pockets’ to people,” said the pope. “In reality, taxation is a sign of legality and justice. It must favor the redistribution of wealth, protecting the dignity of the poor and the least, who always risk being crushed by the powerful.

“The tax, when it is right, is a function of the common good,” he said.

Dear Francis: