June 21, 2010. The Italian Bishop Velasio de Paolis will most likely be the Pope's next apostolic delegate for the Legion of Christ.  The official's task will be to bring normalcy to the Congregation.

The 74-year-old de Paolis already holds a high office in the Vatican: He chairs the Prefecture for Economic Affairs of the Holy See and is a professor of Canon Law at the Gregorian University in Rome.

In addition to his religious experience, de Paolis' economic and legal expertise could help resolve  financial woes brought on by the group's founder, Marcial Maciel.

Benedict XVI wanted the apostolic delegate to be of European origin and not of English or Mexican descent.  The Congregation already has a widespread following in these two countries.

De Paolis would be joined by two vice-delegates: One English-speaking and the other Spanish-speaking.  The three together would analyze the Constitutions of the Congregation and help redefine charism.

PVB/RC
PP
-BN-