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Addressing Italy’s National Anti-Usury Council, Pope Leo XIV condemned usury as a grave sin and “corruption of the human heart,” thanking the group for three decades of aid to victims. He warned that usury—often masquerading as help—strangles the poor, especially those already fragile, and can drive despair. Extending his critique to global finance, he said such practices enslave entire peoples and create “structures of sin.” Citing Scripture and the Jubilee’s spirit, he urged conversion, defense of human dignity, and steadfast, united action against exploitation.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.