May 3, 2010. The pope will appoint a delegate and form a commission to study the constitutions of the Legionaries of Christ. The Vatican announced those measures to help the religious Order confront the crisis amid revelations about the life of its founder, Marcial Maciel.
Benedict XVI first thanked victims for coming forward and reporting abuse by Maciel.
The Vatican called Maciel’s actions “a life devoid of scruple and of genuine religious sentiment.” Reportedly, Maciel build up alibis and to gain the trust, confidence and silence of those around him, and to strengthen his role as a charismatic founder.
The Vatican also announced it will investigate the Regnum Christi and has set forward three main objectives for the future of the Legion. The first, is to redefine the Legion’s statues, which will maintaining the core of the “militia Christi”, on which the Order is based, but put an end to the sense of ‘efficiency’ at any cost.
The second objective is to redefine the secrecy within the order. The actions of the superior of the Legion should not be kept secret.
The final objective is to encourage Legionaries to maintain their enthusiasm and their faith at the center of their formation.
The Vatican underlines that the pope’s five investigators have found great collaboration and have been welcomed sincerely. It also says, that aside from its founder’s deplorable actions, the Legion is made up of a great number of religious who live exemplary, honest lives and many who have given their lives to God in a sincere manner.
The pope has shown his support for the Legion and the members of the Regnum Christi. He has assured them that the Church will be with them through this difficult period of purification.
The Legion has said it’s willing to follow any guidance from the Vatican.
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