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Pope Leo Meets Opus Dei Critic as Vatican Flags Focus on Protecting Vulnerable Adults

Vatican publicity for the audience signaled attention to calls for an independent inquiry.

Pope Leo XIV appears at the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican where Catholic faithful and pilgrims gathered for the traditional Sunday blessing at the end of the noon Angelus prayer, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV appears at the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican where Catholic faithful and pilgrims gathered for the traditional Sunday blessing at the end of the noon Angelus prayer, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV appears at the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican where Catholic faithful and pilgrims gathered for the traditional Sunday blessing at the end of the noon Angelus prayer, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV held a private audience with journalist Gareth Gore, who presented documentation and urged an independent investigation into Opus Dei.
  • The Vatican listed the meeting on the pope’s agenda and released photos, an unusual step for an audience with a journalist.
  • In a separate audience, Leo emphasized safeguarding “vulnerable” adults and the need to listen to victims in remarks to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
  • Opus Dei has rejected Gore’s allegations and previously issued extensive rebuttals, while a 2024 Argentine probe into claims by 44 women remains open with no charges filed.
  • Leo has already met Opus Dei leaders this year following earlier reforms under Pope Francis that curtailed the group’s special status and prompted a rewrite of its statutes.