1. The Legionaries of Christ in Mexico are ashamed of the abuses committed by Fernando Martínez Suárez, for the negligence of the Congregation in handling past reports, and for the lack of proper support for the victims. Once again, we apologize to them and their families. We are hurt by their suffering and wish to alleviate it.

2. We appreciate the swift and clear decision of the Holy See regarding Fernando Martínez Suárez, who was notified on January 13th of the loss of his clerical state.

3. The territorial director has decided to establish an interdisciplinary Commission, with some external members to the Congregation, tasked with welcoming, listening to, and following up with the victims, and proposing necessary measures to repair the harm they have suffered.

4. In the context of Fernando Martínez’s case, a priest from the territory of Mexico has resigned from participating in the General Chapter of the Congregation, explaining his reasons in a personal letter to the legionaries of his territory.

5. The Congregation will undergo an investigation, in coordination with the competent Dicastery of the Holy See, to identify personal responsibilities related to negligence or cover-up in this case. From now on, the Legionaries of Christ and the individual members of our territory who have been publicly mentioned in this context ensure their full cooperation with this investigation, as well as with civil authorities that decide to pursue the reports filed concerning this case.

6. As a religious congregation, we consider communication and collaboration with the authorities and commissions of the Mexican Episcopal Conference essential, according to the tasks and competencies assigned to each, for the good of the communion and mission of the Church in Mexico. We will seek to intensify our usual dialogue and exchange.

7. We reaffirm our commitment to implement the standards of safe environments that have guided our pastoral action and efforts since 2015 to prevent child abuse and respond to reports.

Mexico City, January 20, 2020

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