Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the practice of usury, calling it a “grave sin” that destroys lives, families, and entire societies. He described it as a “corruption of the human heart” that takes advantage of the weak and undermines human dignity.
Speaking to members of Italy’s National Anti-Usury Council on Saturday, the Pope thanked them for thirty years of helping victims of usury and promoting fair and ethical business practices. He warned that usury, whether done by individuals or at a global level, “remains a painful and ancient wound” that continues to harm the poor and marginalised.
“Usury is not merely an accounting issue”
“The phenomenon of usury,” the Pope said, “points to the corruption of the human heart.” Quoting the prophet Isaiah, he reminded Christians that Scripture condemns exploitation and calls believers to “break the chains of injustice and set the oppressed free.”
“How far from God,” the Pope exclaimed, “is the attitude of those who crush people until they become slaves! Usury is not merely an accounting issue—it is a grave sin that can destroy families, consume the mind and heart, and even lead people to despair or suicide.”
He explained that usury often appears as help to those in financial difficulty, but soon “reveals itself for what it is: a burden that suffocates.” The effects, he said, hit hardest on “those already fragile, such as victims of gambling addiction or families facing medical or financial emergencies.”
“Entire peoples can be enslaved”
Pope Leo XIV said the problem goes beyond individuals, warning against “usurious financial systems that can bring entire peoples to their knees.”
He quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which condemns “those who in commerce engage in usurious and mercantile practices that cause hunger and death among their brothers and sisters in humanity.” Such actions, he said, create “structures of sin” and come with “grave responsibility.”
He asked: “Are the less fortunate not human beings? Do the weak not share our same dignity? Are those born with fewer opportunities worth less as human beings, destined merely to survive?”
“Our answer to these questions,” the Pope said, “determines the value of our societies and our future. Either we reclaim our moral and spiritual dignity, or we fall into a pit of filth.” (Dilexi te, 95)
A mission rooted in mercy
The Pope thanked the Anti-Usury Council for its continued work, calling it a “sign of hope” during this Holy Year and in line with the Jubilee of Mercy.
Referring to the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, he said that real change—like that of the tax collector—is possible when a person experiences the free and unconditional love of Christ. “When profit becomes our goal,” he said, “others lose their face and become objects to exploit. And in the end, we too lose ourselves and our souls.”
“The conversion of those who commit usury,” he added, “is as important as our closeness to those who suffer because of it.”
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV encouraged all who fight against usury to continue their mission with courage and unity, supported by the Church and guided by the Gospel.
