VATICAN CITY
Vatican Radio
(Vatican Radio) The Extraordinary General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ begins its working sessions on Thursday, under the guidance of the Pontifical Delegate to the Legion, Cardinal Velasio De Paolis. The Chapter has been called with a view to helping the Legion reform and renew itself in the wake of revelations regarding the double-life led by the congregation’s deceased founder, Fr. Marcial Maciel. Following a Vatican investigation into Fr Maciel’s life and conduct as founder and leader of the congregation, Pope Benedict XVI in 2006 stripped the priest of his leadership role and ordered him to a life of prayer and penitence.
Cardinal Paolis granted an interview to the Vatican Radio’s Director-General, Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ. The purpose of the interview was to present the progress made during the three and a half years of Card. De Paolis’ term as Delegate, in order more fully to understand what went into preparations for the Chapter, what are its goals and what are the expectations for it.
Following an examination of conscience apt to allow for unclouded evaluation of the path the Legion has taken, especially in recent years, the six-week convocation of 61 priests from 11 different nations is to turn its attention to the needed constitutional reform and the election of new leadership.
In his broad-ranging conversation with Fr. Lombardi, SJ, Card. De Paolis recalls that his mandate followed the Apostolic Visitation that concluded with the removal of Fr. Maciel. Cardinal De Paolis says that, from the outset, he has regarded his task as Delegate as one of guidance in the work of renewing Legion of Christ, counting on the genuine religious commitment of the majority of its members.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.