Pope Meets Journalist on Opus Dei Allegations

0:00On March 16th, Pope Leo met on Monday with investigative journalist David Gore, who claims that Opus Dei covered up sexual and financial crimes. The prominent Catholic group, which has links to right-wing politicians in the United States and elsewhere, strongly denies the accusations. The Vatican said the Pope wanted to hear the allegations directly from Gore in a private session. While the Pope meets many people each day, sitting down one-on-one with a journalist like this, stands out as unusual. Opus Dei, meaning work of God, started in 1928 under a Spanish priest. It urges everyday Catholics to seek holiness in their jobs, with most members being lay people who follow tough spiritual rules and often stay, celibate. Gore's book points the claims of emotional manipulation over members and financial wrongdoing through the group's influence. Opus Dei pushes back, stressing its goal of sharing Christian values worldwide. The organization has deep roots in Peru, where Pope Leo worked as a missionary for decades

1:01before his election. This meeting keeps the spotlight on those serious charges as the Vatican reviews the details.