Trending Now - Pope Addresses Concerns Over Opus Dei and Vulnerable Adults

WHO:

Pope Leo XIV

Gareth Gore, investigative journalist and author of the book “Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking and Right-Wing Conspiracy Inside the Catholic Church”

Opus Dei, a Catholic organization founded by Spanish priest Josemaría Escrivá in 1928

Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz Braña, Opus Dei moderator

Monsignor Mariano Fazio, auxiliary of Opus Dei

Pedro Salinas, former member of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae

Then-Cardinal Robert Prevost

WHAT:

Pope Leo XIV met with Gareth Gore on March 16, 2026, to discuss allegations against Opus Dei.

Gore's book, published in 2024, alleges that Opus Dei covered up sexual and financial crimes.

Opus Dei has approximately 85,000 to 90,000 members across 70 countries.

The Vatican's child protection board was involved in discussions about safeguarding vulnerable adults.

Gore urged Pope Leo to launch an independent investigation into Opus Dei.

Opus Dei issued a 106-page set of “clarifications” in response to Gore's book, rejecting the allegations.

WHERE:

Vatican City

Opus Dei has a strong presence in Peru.

WHEN:

Pope Leo XIV met with Gareth Gore on March 16, 2026.

The book “Opus” was published in 2024.

Argentine prosecutors concluded in 2024 that there were grounds for a criminal investigation into Opus Dei officials.

Pope Francis imposed changes on Opus Dei in 2022.

Pope Leo XIV met with Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz on February 16, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2026, and met with Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz on May 14, 2026.

WHY:

Pope Leo XIV expressed concern about the plight of vulnerable adults in the Catholic Church.

The meeting with Gore was intended to listen to first-hand allegations regarding Opus Dei.

HOW:

The Vatican released photos of the audience between Pope Leo XIV and Gareth Gore.

Gore provided documentation of his findings during the meeting with the pope.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 13:26 UTC)

On March 16, 2026, Pope Leo XIV met with investigative journalist Gareth Gore to discuss serious allegations against Opus Dei, a Catholic organization that has faced scrutiny for purportedly covering up sexual and financial crimes. Gore, who authored the book "Opus," urged the Pope to initiate an independent investigation, while Opus Dei responded with a 106-page document rejecting the claims and emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults. The Vatican has been actively involved in addressing these concerns, as evidenced by the discussions held by its child protection board and the ongoing scrutiny of Opus Dei's practices.