Pope Leo XIV Condemns Usury as “Grave Sin”

Pope Leo XIV Condemns Usury as “Grave Sin”
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Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned usury, calling it a “grave sin” that exploits the poor, destroys families, and corrodes human dignity, Muslim Mirror reported. Speaking to Italy’s National Anti-Usury Council, the Pope described the practice as “a corruption of the human heart” and a persistent social evil that traps individuals and nations in cycles of poverty and dependence.

“How far from God is the attitude of those who crush people until they become slaves!” Pope Leo said, emphasizing that usury is not merely a financial issue but a profound moral failing. He warned that predatory lending and exploitative economic systems can destroy families, drive individuals to despair, and create “structures of sin” that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

The Pope’s remarks resonate closely with Islamic teachings, which categorically forbid riba (usury/interest). In Islam, any guaranteed interest on loans is prohibited, as it is considered exploitative and harmful to society. The Qur’an states: “Those who devour usury will not stand except as one whom Satan has driven to madness…” (2:275), highlighting the spiritual and social dangers of interest-based financial practices. Both Christian and Islamic perspectives emphasize protecting human dignity, promoting fairness, and prioritizing ethical economic conduct.

Pope Leo called for moral renewal in finance, urging societies to restore compassion, equity, and ethical responsibility in economic life—a message that aligns with centuries of religious advocacy against exploitative lending worldwide.