ROME, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Pope Leo on Friday urged Italy’s intelligence services to avoid smearing public figures and journalists, saying abuse of confidential material risked undermining ‍democracy and public trust.

His appeal came amid heightened scrutiny of Italy’s security agencies following recent surveillance scandals involving spyware and alleged hacking of phones of reporters and human rights activists.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the centenary of Italy’s spy service, the pontiff ‌praised its role in safeguarding national security, including ‌at the Vatican, but stressed that it must be guided by law and ethics.

“It is necessary to monitor rigorously so that confidential information is not used to intimidate, manipulate, blackmail, or discredit the service of politicians, jour

See Full Page