VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has issued a rare and pointed warning to intelligence agencies worldwide, urging them not to weaponise confidential information or use it to intimidate, manipulate or discredit individuals and institutions — including the Catholic Church.
Speaking on Friday during an audience with Italian intelligence officials at the Vatican, the pontiff cautioned that sensitive intelligence has, in some countries, been used to justify repression against the Church, including property seizures and the expulsion of clergy.
“We must exercise rigorous vigilance to prevent confidential information from being used to intimidate, manipulate, blackmail, or discredit,” said Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States.
Although he did not single out any specific governments, the pope said the Church has been a victim of intelligence agencies acting with “malicious intent” in several parts of the world, undermining religious freedom through surveillance and coercive tactics.
The remarks come at a time of rapid technological advancement, which Leo XIV said has significantly expanded the power and reach of intelligence services.
He warned that such power must be exercised within strict ethical boundaries.
“In an era of ever-more powerful technology, it is necessary to set limits, based on respect for human dignity,” he said, urging intelligence professionals to remain vigilant against abuses linked to their authority.
The pope emphasised that national security should never come at the expense of fundamental rights, calling on agencies to protect individuals’ privacy, freedom of conscience and information, as well as the right to a fair trial.
“Ensure that the protection of national security constantly guarantees the rights of individuals, their private and family life, their freedom of conscience and information,” he said.
Leo XIV was addressing the officials during a Vatican audience held to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Italy’s intelligence service.
