Opus Dei’s openness is plain for all to see

Pope Francis delivers a blessing from a window at the Vatican earlier this month. Photograph: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images

I read with interest your article (6 August) on the women Pope Francis appointed to the Vatican’s finance council: definitely a good move. But I was disappointed with your description of Opus Dei as secretive.

Back in 2003-06, with the huge media exposure Opus Dei got with The Da Vinci Code, we were able to show that we are not secretive: our houses and activities are open, our directors well known, our aims public. It used to be said that Opus Dei was secretive, back in the days when it was virtually unknown, but since 2006 it is no longer sustainable to use this adjective. After the pandemic is over, we’d be delighted to welcome anyone interested to an Opus Dei centre so they can see for themselves and meet the people there.
Jack Valero
Opus Dei Information Office, London

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