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A new book has sparked controversy by accusing Opus Dei of involvement in human trafficking, forced labor, and financial misconduct. The organization has strongly denied these claims, describing them as "absolute nonsense." The book, titled "Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church," was authored by Gareth Gore and released in the U.S. on October 1.
Opus Dei responded to the allegations in an April 30 statement, asserting that they are "absolutely false." The organization stated it provided transparency to Gore during his research process but claimed he chose to follow "his own narrative" instead of facts. They criticized the publicity surrounding the book as more akin to conspiracy theories than rigorous research.
Founded in 1928 by St. Josemaría Escrivá, Opus Dei is a personal prelature within the Catholic Church with a membership comprising both laity and clergy. As of 2023, it included approximately 93,784 people globally. Despite its growth and recognition from several pontiffs, Opus Dei has faced controversies over alleged secrecy and abuse.
Gore told OSV News that his investigation began with Spain's Banco Popular's collapse in 2017 but led him to uncover what he described as a hidden conspiracy involving significant financial resources being funneled to support Opus Dei's global expansion.
The book focuses significantly on Luis Valls Taberner, a member of Opus Dei who led Banco Popular until 2004. It alleges that Valls Taberner prioritized the prelature's interests over those of the bank, contributing to its downfall. However, Yago de la Cierva, representing three charities founded by Valls Taberner, disputed these claims as false.
De la Cierva defended Valls Taberner's reputation as an excellent banker who respected shareholder interests and made personal donations to charitable foundations without misappropriating funds from Banco Popular. He argued that Gore’s portrayal was biased and misleading.
Jack Valero, U.K. press officer for Opus Dei, also criticized Gore's work for inaccuracies and misrepresentations regarding connections between Opus Dei and prominent American conservatives like Leonard Leo.
Gore dismissed criticisms about his understanding of religious organizations as dismissive of victims' accounts included in his research. He urged engagement with the allegations detailed in his book rather than dismissals based on his perceived lack of religious insight.
Valero acknowledged past abuse cases related to members of Opus Dei but contested Gore’s depiction of systemic issues within the organization. Gore maintained that his work includes extensive sourcing notes distinguishing fact from fiction.
The foundations linked to Valls Taberner labeled criticisms against him as unfounded and stressed his legacy of altruism and dedication.
