Pope Holds Rare Private Meeting with Author Critical of Opus Dei

Pope Leo met privately with British investigative journalist Gareth Gore, who has written a book alleging financial and sexual crimes within the Catholic organization Opus Dei. The Vatican said the pontiff wanted to hear Gore's accusations directly, though Opus Dei strongly disputes the claims.

VATICAN CITY – In an uncommon move, Pope Leo held a private audience Monday with a British investigative journalist whose recent book makes serious allegations against the Catholic organization Opus Dei.

The pontiff met with Gareth Gore, who published a 2024 investigation into the religious group that counts approximately 85,000 members worldwide across 70 nations. Following their discussion, Gore revealed he had requested the pope initiate an official investigation into the organization.

Vatican officials explained that the pope arranged the meeting to personally hear Gore’s claims. Though the pontiff regularly meets various individuals, private audiences with journalists are considered rare.

Established in 1928 by a Spanish cleric, Opus Dei – meaning “Work of God” – encourages Catholics to pursue spiritual devotion through their professional lives. The majority of members are laypeople who follow rigorous spiritual disciplines and frequently choose celibacy.

The organization maintains significant connections within Vatican operations, with numerous employees holding membership, including at least two former Vatican press office directors.

Gore’s book contains accusations that the group exercises psychological manipulation over members and leverages its power for financial misconduct.

Opus Dei has vehemently disputed these charges, issuing a 2024 response calling Gore’s publication “littered with twisted facts.” The organization did not provide immediate comment regarding Monday’s papal meeting.

The group maintains considerable influence in Peru, where Pope Leo worked as a missionary for many years before his papal election. Opus Dei describes its purpose as advancing Christian doctrine globally.