Pope Leo XIV meets Opus Dei’s Prelate to address the prelature’s reform, evangelization challenges, and unity in the Church.
Newsroom (17/02/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV received in audience this morning Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, the Prelate of Opus Dei, accompanied by his auxiliary vicar, Monsignor Mariano Fazio. The meeting, held on February 16 at the Vatican, touched upon the current situation of the prelature around the world, its ongoing statutory reform, and the pastoral challenges emerging on different continents.
According to sources from the Vatican, the conversation unfolded in an atmosphere marked by trust and filial affection. Monsignor Ocáriz assured the Holy Father of the unity and devotion that bind the members of Opus Dei to the Pope and the universal Church. He also conveyed the prelature’s steadfast prayers for the Pontiff and his intentions for the world.
As Opus Dei approaches the centenary of its founding, the dialogue naturally turned to the urgent mission of evangelization in the modern world. The Prelate and his aides shared reflections on the order’s evangelizing perspectives, emphasizing the need to foster Christian witness in all environments — family, work, and culture — in fidelity to the spirit of Saint Josemaría Escrivá. Opus Dei, now present in over sixty countries, concluded its most recent Ordinary Congress in April 2025, a milestone that helped chart its pastoral priorities for the coming years.
Ongoing Statutory Review and Institutional Context
Among the principal matters discussed was the continued process of revising Opus Dei’s statutes. Pope Leo XIV noted that the work of adapting the prelature’s governance documents remains under review, with no publication date yet determined. The reform aims to align internal regulations with directives established by Pope Francis, echoing the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all ecclesial institutions remain deeply rooted in service, transparency, and communion with the Church’s universal mission.
During the audience, Bishop Ocáriz also briefed the Holy Father on certain institutional matters related to Opus Dei’s presence in Argentina. While the Vatican has not disclosed specific details, sources familiar with the conversation indicated that the exchange sought to clarify local concerns and reaffirm the prelature’s commitment to unity, fidelity, and pastoral dialogue within each cultural context.
Vocations and the Geography of Faith
The dialogue also touched on the broader situation of vocations within the universal Church. Pope Leo XIV and Monsignor Ocáriz shared reflections on the contrasting realities between continents. Africa continues to see dynamic growth in priestly and religious vocations, nourished by youthful faith and vibrant communities, while much of Europe faces an ongoing decline in new vocations. The discussion underscored both the call to renewed evangelization in secularized regions and gratitude for the flourishing faith in emerging Catholic communities worldwide.
A Gesture of Friendship and Spiritual Communion
In a sign of mutual esteem and shared mission, Monsignor Ocáriz presented Pope Leo XIV with two recently published books. The first, “The Church in the Streets: The Reception of Gaudium et Spes in Six Holy Pastors” by Fr. Ramón Sala González, explores how the vision of the Second Vatican Council was lived out by key church figures, including Saint Josemaría Escrivá. The second, “Yauyos: An Adventure in the Andes” by Samuel Valero, recounts the evangelizing journey of Opus Dei priests in the Peruvian highlands — a vivid testament to the universal reach of the Gospel.
Before the meeting concluded, the Holy Father imparted his apostolic blessing to Monsignor Ocáriz, to all members of the prelature, and to those engaged in Opus Dei’s apostolic work across the globe. The gesture capped a moment of deep ecclesial communion, expressing the enduring unity between the Pope and those who, in the words of Saint Josemaría, strive to “sanctify the world from within.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from INfocatholica
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