Mana Leak vs mana abilities

[Nocturnal]

As Mana Leak is resolving, can the controller of the targetted spell play mana sources when Mana Leak requests a mana payment, or does the mana need to be in that player's pool before Mana Leak begins resolving?

[Jebus]

If an effect from a spell or ability requires you to pay mana, you are allowed to play mana abilities during that spell or ability's resolution.

So, you may play mana abilities while Mana Leak is resolving to allow you to pay the 3 mana.

[Tristal]

Just for clarification, as I've had this be a problem before, Dark Ritual, Culling the Weak, and Burnt Offering are NOT Mana Sources, they're Instants.

[Ephraim]

On the other hand, one can always respond to the casting of Mana Leak with an instant such as Dark Ritual, get the mana, and then pay for the Mana Leak. You don't have to try to cast the Dark Ritual during the resolution of the Mana Leak.