Pope Leo XIV Calls for Ethical Conduct from Italy's Intelligence Services

On December 12, 2025, during a ceremony marking the centenary of Italy's intelligence services, Pope Leo XIV urged the country's intelligence agencies to refrain from smearing public figures and journalists. He emphasized that the misuse of confidential information could undermine democracy and public trust. This appeal comes in the wake of increased scrutiny surrounding Italy's security agencies, particularly following recent scandals involving the use of spyware to hack the phones of journalists and human rights activists.

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Pope Leo acknowledged the critical role of Italy's intelligence services in safeguarding national security, including the Vatican's own security needs. However, he stressed that their operations must adhere to legal and ethical standards, particularly in the digital age where the complexities of intelligence work have intensified. He warned against the "temptations" that such work can present and called for actions that are always "proportionate to the common good."

The Pope's remarks were particularly relevant given revelations earlier this year that the Italian government had employed Israeli-made spyware to target the phones of various individuals, including Luca Casarini and Giuseppe Caccia, founders of the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, which focuses on protecting refugees crossing the Mediterranean. This incident has raised alarms about the ethical implications of surveillance practices and the potential infringement on civil liberties.

Pope Leo's address highlighted the need for vigilance against misinformation and online manipulation, urging intelligence officials to ensure that their actions respect individual rights, including freedom of conscience. He noted that churches in several countries have also been victims of intelligence services acting for "improper purposes," although he did not provide specific details.

In a separate context, Pope Leo XIV has also voiced concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy, particularly the Trump administration's approach to the U.S.-European alliance. In discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he asserted that Europe must play a crucial role in any peace negotiations regarding Ukraine, criticizing efforts that seem to sideline European powers. He described the notion of seeking a peace agreement without European involvement as "unrealistic," given the ongoing conflict's geographical context.

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Pope Leo stated, “Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe.” He emphasized the importance of European leaders uniting to seek solutions together, reflecting a broader concern about maintaining transatlantic alliances in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.

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While Pope Leo's statements have been largely well-received, there are differing opinions regarding the effectiveness of intelligence oversight in Italy and the implications of U.S. foreign policy on European security. Critics argue that the current administration's approach could weaken established alliances and exacerbate tensions in international relations.

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• “Ensure that your actions are always proportionate to the common good,” — Pope Leo XIV

• “Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” — Pope Leo XIV

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Pope Leo XIV's calls for ethical conduct from intelligence services and his advocacy for a strong European role in international peace negotiations underscore his commitment to upholding democratic values and fostering international cooperation.