Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong moral appeal to intelligence agencies around the world, urging them not to misuse confidential information as a weapon—particularly against the Catholic Church and other vulnerable institutions.
Speaking on Friday during an official audience at the Vatican with members of Italy’s intelligence services, the pontiff cautioned against the manipulation of sensitive information for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or reputational harm.
While he did not single out any specific country, the Pope acknowledged that in several parts of the world, intelligence gathered by state agencies has been used to justify repression of the Church, including the confiscation of property and the expulsion or persecution of religious leaders.
“We must exercise rigorous vigilance to prevent confidential information from being used to intimidate, manipulate, blackmail, or discredit,” said Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States. “This also applies to the Church. In several countries, the Church is a victim of intelligence agencies that act with malicious intent and repress its freedom.”
The Pope’s remarks came against the backdrop of rapidly advancing surveillance technologies, which he said have significantly expanded the power and reach of intelligence services. In this context, he stressed the urgent need for ethical boundaries rooted in respect for human dignity.
“In an era of ever-more powerful technology, it is necessary to set limits and to remain vigilant against the temptations to which your position exposes you,” he told the intelligence officials.
He further emphasized that the pursuit of national security must never override fundamental human rights. Intelligence operations, he said, should always safeguard individuals’ rights to privacy, family life, freedom of conscience, access to information, and the guarantee of a fair trial.
“Ensure that the protection of national security constantly guarantees the rights of individuals,” the Pope said, underscoring the delicate balance between security and liberty.
The audience was held to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Italy’s intelligence service, providing the pontiff with an opportunity to reflect on the ethical responsibilities of intelligence work in a democratic society.
Pope Leo XIV concluded by reminding intelligence professionals that their authority carries a profound moral responsibility, calling on them to serve truth, justice, and the common good rather than narrow political or ideological interests.
