Straight White American Jesus Special Episode: Is Pope Leo Really Dissolving Opus Dei?
Oct 23, 2025
Gareth Gore, an investigative financial reporter and author of 'Opus: The Cult of Dark Money', dives into the controversies surrounding Opus Dei. He explores its turbulent internal dynamics and the possibility of the organization splintering into three parts. Gareth discusses the recruitment strategies in Washington, D.C., the group's tense relationship with the Vatican, and alarming abuse allegations. He highlights how these issues may spur the Pope to implement significant reforms, while cautioning that resistance from Opus Dei is likely.
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Opus Dei’s Strategic Elite Infiltration
- Opus Dei was founded to infiltrate powerful sectors of society and influence them from within.
- Gareth Gore says the movement deliberately targets elites, concentrating recruitment around Washington, D.C.
High-Profile Affiliates In Washington
- Gareth Gore lists prominent U.S. conservatives affiliated with the Opus Dei center in Washington, D.C.
- He names Kevin Roberts, Leonard Leo, Bill Barr, Mick Mulvaney, and Pat Cipollone as linked figures.
Unique Canonical Status Fuels Autonomy
- Opus Dei holds a unique canonical status as the only personal prelature, reporting directly to the Pope rather than local bishops.
- That special status allowed Opus Dei to operate with unusual autonomy within the Church hierarchy.
