Pope Leo Says Drug Addiction Is an ‘Invisible Prison’

Our cities must not be freed of the marginalized, but of marginalization, pope says

Too often, in the name of security, war is waged against the poor, Pope Leo XIV said.

Pope Leo says drug addiction is an ‘invisible prison’

Drugs and addiction are an “invisible prison” for their victims, Pope Leo XIV told to people marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday. Most of them came from Italy’s San Patrignano community, that works with those suffering from drug addiction and offers them rehabilitation. One member, Paola Clericuzio, addressed the pope during the meeting. When she was just 18, she started using cocaine because of h…

Pope Leo XIV urges law enforcement to target drug traffickers, not addicts

Pope Leo XIV speaks to an anti-drug advocate at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, Thursday, June 26, 2025 / Credit: Vatican Media Vatican City, Jun 26, 2025 / 09:23 am (CNA). Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called on governments and law enforcemen... [...]

Pope Leo XIV Urges Law Enforcement to Target Drug Traffickers, Not Addicts

'Our fight is against those who make drugs and any other addiction — think of alcohol or gambling — their immense business.'

Leo XIV: "Dignity must prevail over all degrading dependency" – Exaudi

The Pope issues a firm appeal against drug trafficking networks and calls for combating marginalization without marginalizing people

Pope: Our cities must not be freed of the marginalized, but of marginalization

VATICAN CITY — Too often, in the name of security, war is waged against the poor, Pope Leo XIV said. The Holy Year instead indicates that safety is found in the culture of encounter, he said. The Jubilee “asks of us the restitution and redistribution of unjustly accumulated wealth, as the way to personal and civil reconciliation.” The pope made his comments during a meeting marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking…