A political campaign supported by a social media campaign advocated the removal of the tax exemption granted to the Catholic Church. The supporters of the proposal claim that the Church money would help Italy to overcome its financial crisis, and would therefore make other governmental spenditure cuts unnecessary. The Catholic Church properties are exempted from tax because of the community service they provide and the social function church buildings serve. In the fall of 2011, the issue was dropped.
Sources: http://www.avvenire.it/Cronaca/Pagine/agevolazionieccolaverita_201108201730212170000.aspx
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/italy-gives-final-approval-to-austerity-plan-1857135.html
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/World/Story/A1Story20110830-296894.html
http://www.ilpost.it/2011/08/20/privilegi-esenzioni-chiesa/
http://m.theage.com.au/business/world-business/italian-politicians-bicker-over-austerity-20110822-1j5ar.html
http://www.labussolaquotidiana.it/ita/articoli-lici-della-chiesa-la-sagra-delle-bugie-2821.htm