By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY, March 16 (Reuters) - Pope Leo met on Monday with an investigative journalist who alleges that a prominent Catholic organisation with ties to right-wing politicians in
Pope Holds Unusual Meeting with Author Alleging Opus Dei Misconduct
Pope Leo's Meeting with Investigative Journalist Gareth Gore
By Joshua McElwee
Background of the Meeting
VATICAN CITY, March 16 (Reuters) - Pope Leo met on Monday with an investigative journalist who alleges that a prominent Catholic organisation with ties to right-wing politicians in the U.S. and other countries covered up sexual and financial crimes, which the group firmly denies.
Details of the Encounter
Leo met with British writer Gareth Gore, author of a 2024 book on Opus Dei, a Catholic religious community counting about 85,000 members across 70 countries. In a statement afterwards, Gore said he asked the pope to launch a formal inquiry into the group.
The Vatican press office said the pope wanted to have the meeting to listen first-hand to Gore's allegations. While the pope meets with a range of people daily, it is unusual for him to have a private meeting with a journalist.
About Opus Dei
History and Membership
Opus Dei ("Work of God") was founded in 1928 by a Spanish priest and teaches Catholics to strive for holiness through their work. Most of its members are not clerics but maintain strict spiritual practices and often choose to remain celibate.
Connections to the Vatican
The group is known for close ties with the Vatican, where many employees are members, including at least two former directors of the Vatican's press office.
Allegations and Responses
Claims Made in Gore's Book
Among allegations in the book, Gore said the group practices emotional control over its members and uses its influence to perpetrate financial fraud.
Opus Dei's Official Response
The organization has sharply rejected Gore's accusations, saying in a 2024 statement that his book was "littered with twisted facts". It did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the pope's meeting on Monday.
Opus Dei's Global Presence
Opus Dei has a strong presence in Peru, where Leo served as a missionary for decades before becoming pope. The group says its mission is to spread Christian teachings across the world.
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
