Pope Condemns Usury as a Serious Sin and Enslavement Tool

Pope Condemns Usury as ‘Grave Sin’ While Celebrating Roma Jubilee

VATICAN CITY – October 18, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message today, sharply condemning usury as a “grave sin” with devastating consequences for individuals and entire nations, while simultaneously extending a warm welcome to Roma, Sinti, and Camminanti communities during a special Jubilee party at the Vatican.

Addressing an anti-usury council, the Pope described usury not merely as a financial issue, but as a deeply moral one. “How far from God is the attitude of those who crush people to the point of making them slaves!” he declared. He warned that usury can lead families into crisis and even drive individuals to despair, stating it’s “a boulder that suffocates.” The pontiff further emphasized the systemic impact, noting that “usurious financial systems can bring entire peoples to thier knees,” and highlighting the responsibility of those engaging in “unjust structures of sin” that contribute to hunger and death.

The Pope’s remarks on usury were followed by a vibrant celebration of Roma culture within the Paul VI Hall. The “Jubilee of roma, Sinti and Camminanti,” organized by the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, featured customary dances and music, culminating in a special song dedicated to the Pope.

“Hope is itinerant,” the event’s theme, resonated with the Pope’s message of inclusion and dignity. He urged the Roma, Sinti, and Camminanti communities to “be protagonists of the ongoing change of era,” fostering trust and sharing the “beauty of your culture.”

Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the past marginalization faced by these communities, stating that “advanced societies have punctually discarded you, always placing you on the margins.” He encouraged them to embody faith through “trusting only in God, not being attached to any worldly good, showing exemplary faith in deeds and words.”

The Pope concluded by reaffirming the Church’s love and blessing for the Roma, Sinti, and camminanti, emphasizing that “God the Father loves you and blesses you, and the Church also loves you and blesses you.” He also touched upon the importance of the family, particularly in a time of shifting societal norms, advocating for the Creator’s intended model of family life.

How does the Church differentiate between acceptable financial practices and usury, according to the text?

The Ancient Roots of the Church’s Stance on Interest

for centuries, the Catholic Church has maintained a firm opposition to usury – the practice of lending money at exorbitant or illegal interest rates. This isn’t a modern development; the condemnation dates back to the earliest days of Christianity and is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and ethical ideology. The core argument isn’t against all interest, but against unfairly exploiting the vulnerability of others for financial gain. Terms like loan sharking, predatory lending, and financial exploitation are modern manifestations of the ancient sin of usury.

* Biblical Basis: References in the Old Testament (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-37, Deuteronomy 23:19-20) explicitly forbid lending to the poor with interest. These passages emphasize compassion and the importance of protecting the vulnerable.

* Early Church Fathers: Figures like Aristotle viewed interest as “unnatural” because money itself is sterile and cannot reproduce. St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas further solidified this position, linking usury to injustice and greed.

* Medieval Decrees: Throughout the Middle Ages, various Church councils issued decrees condemning usury, attempting to curb its practice, though enforcement was frequently enough inconsistent.

Defining Usury: Beyond Simple interest Rates

Understanding the Church’s position requires a nuanced definition of usury. It’s not merely about charging any interest. The key lies in the fairness and justness of the terms.

* Just Price: The concept of a “just price” – a price reflecting the true value of goods or services – is central. Usury violates this principle by extracting value without contributing to genuine economic activity.

* Risk and Compensation: Legitimate lending involves risk for the lender. Interest can be justified to compensate for that risk, but it must be proportionate and not exploitative.

* Vulnerability of Borrowers: Usury is particularly egregious when it targets those in desperate need – the poor, the sick, or those facing economic hardship. Predatory loans fall squarely into this category.

* Modern Interpretations: Contemporary Catholic social teaching acknowledges the complexities of modern finance. While not all interest is inherently sinful, the Church continues to condemn practices that lead to debt traps and financial slavery.

Usury as a Tool of Enslavement: The Spiritual and Economic Impact

The Church views usury not just as a financial transgression, but as a form of spiritual and economic enslavement.The consequences extend far beyond the individual borrower.

* Debt and Dependence: Excessive interest rates can trap individuals and families in cycles of debt,stripping them of their dignity and autonomy. This creates a dependence on lenders, effectively limiting their freedom.

* Social Inequality: Usury exacerbates existing inequalities, concentrating wealth in the hands of a few while impoverishing many. This undermines social cohesion and justice.

* moral Corruption: The pursuit of profit through exploitative lending can corrupt individuals and institutions, fostering a culture of greed and disregard for human dignity.

* Impact on Communities: Widespread usury can devastate communities, leading to increased poverty, crime, and social unrest.

Pope Francis and Contemporary Concerns

Pope Francis has consistently and forcefully condemned usury, framing it as a grave sin and a threat to a just society. He has specifically addressed the issue in relation to:

* Microfinance: While supporting ethical microfinance initiatives that provide small loans to the poor, he warns against predatory microcredit schemes that exploit borrowers.

* Financial Speculation: He criticizes financial speculation and the pursuit of short-term profits at the expense of long-term social and environmental well-being.

* Exclusion and Marginalization: he links usury to the broader problem of economic exclusion and the marginalization of the poor.

* The COVID-19 Pandemic: During