Pope Leo XIV Meets Investigative Journalist on Opus Dei Allegations

On March 16, 2024, Pope Leo XIV held a rare private audience with British investigative journalist Gareth Gore, author of the book "Opus," which alleges serious misconduct within the Catholic organization Opus Dei. The meeting, lasting over 40 minutes, was significant as private audiences with journalists are uncommon for the pontiff. The Vatican confirmed that the pope sought to hear Gore's allegations firsthand, which include claims of financial fraud, emotional manipulation, and abuse within Opus Dei, an organization founded in 1928 that counts approximately 85,000 members across 70 countries.

Pope Holds Rare Private Meeting with Author Critical of Opus DeiPope Leo meets author critical of Opus DeiReutersPope Leo Meets Opus Dei Investigator Gareth Gore in Rare Vatican AudiencePope Leo XIV Addresses Adult Abuse Crisis, Meets with Opus Dei Investigator

Gore's book presents testimonies from alleged victims and details various accusations against Opus Dei, including psychological manipulation and financial exploitation. He described practices such as the breaking of confession seals and coercive spiritual direction sessions. Additionally, Gore provided the pope with documentation from Argentine prosecutors regarding human trafficking allegations against Opus Dei officials, which the organization has categorically denied. Opus Dei has previously labeled Gore's work as "littered with twisted facts" and has not publicly commented on the specifics of the meeting with the pope.

Pope Leo meets author critical of Opus DeiPope Holds Rare Private Meeting with Author Critical of Opus DeiReutersPope Leo XIV Addresses Adult Abuse Crisis, Meets with Opus Dei InvestigatorPope Leo Meets Opus Dei Investigator Gareth Gore in Rare Vatican Audience

The meeting with Gore coincided with Pope Leo's broader efforts to address abuse within the Catholic Church. On the same day, he addressed the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable adults from exploitation. This focus aligns with ongoing reforms initiated by Pope Francis, which aim to restructure Opus Dei's governance and reduce its influence within the Church. The proposed changes would alter the organization’s structure significantly, potentially diminishing the authority of its leadership over lay members.

Pope Leo XIV Addresses Adult Abuse Crisis, Meets with Opus Dei Investigator

Critics of Opus Dei, including former members and advocates for abuse survivors, view the pope's meeting with Gore as a pivotal moment. They argue that it signals a willingness to confront longstanding issues within the organization. Gore himself expressed cautious optimism following the meeting, noting that it compels him to reassess his previous conclusions about the Vatican's willingness to address allegations of abuse. However, Opus Dei's leadership has historically resisted accountability, relying on its connections within the Church to maintain its status.

Pope Leo meets author critical of Opus Dei

• “It is also possible that he actually wants to do the right thing,” — Gareth Gore, Author of "Opus."

Pope Leo Meets Opus Dei Investigator Gareth Gore in Rare Vatican Audience

• “By reading these ‘signs of the times,’ you help the church to address safeguarding challenges courageously, and respond with pastoral clarity and structural renewal,” — Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV Addresses Adult Abuse Crisis, Meets with Opus Dei Investigator

The Vatican's response to Gore's allegations and the ongoing review of Opus Dei's governance will be closely monitored. The pope's willingness to engage with critical voices may indicate a shift in how the Church addresses internal abuses. As investigations continue, the implications for Opus Dei and its future within the Catholic Church remain uncertain.

Pope Leo meets author critical of Opus DeiPope Holds Rare Private Meeting with Author Critical of Opus DeiPope Leo XIV Addresses Adult Abuse Crisis, Meets with Opus Dei InvestigatorPope Leo Meets Opus Dei Investigator Gareth Gore in Rare Vatican AudienceReuters