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The figure of Fr. Marcial Maciel, LC

2001 – 2006

Canonical Investigation

Historically, the founder of the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi was Fr. Marcial Maciel, a Mexican priest born in Cotija de la Paz, Michoacán, in 1920, who passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, on January 30, 2008. He served as superior and later as general director from 1948 to 2005.

In 2004, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith initiated a canonical investigation under the norms of Pope John Paul II’s 2001 Motu Proprio Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela. The investigation concluded in 2006. On May 19 of that year, the Holy See issued a statement on the case with the following information:

“After having subjected the results of the investigation to careful study, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the guidance of the new prefect, His Eminence Cardinal William Levada, has decided, considering both the advanced age of Reverend Maciel and his fragile health, to forgo a canonical trial and instead invite him to lead a reserved life of prayer and penance, renouncing all public ministry. The Holy Father has approved these decisions. Regardless of the founder’s personal actions, the meritorious apostolic work of the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi association is recognized with gratitude.”

The progressive revelation of the founder’s double life naturally caused a series of crises both within the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi. The Holy See deemed it necessary to conduct an Apostolic Visitation, and in the conclusive statement issued on May 1, 2010, it stated:

“The Apostolic Visitation has verified that the conduct of Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado has had serious consequences on the life and structure of the Legion, to the point of making a profound process of revision necessary. The extremely serious and objectively immoral behaviors of Fr. Maciel, confirmed by undeniable testimonies, sometimes constitute actual crimes and reveal a life devoid of scruples and true religious sentiment. This life was unknown to the majority of the Legionaries.”

At the same time, the congregation’s superiors initiated a process of institutional self-examination.

2010 – 2014

General Government Statements

On March 25, 2010, through an official statement, the General Government and all Territorial Directors publicly acknowledged the immoral acts attributed to Fr. Maciel, condemned them, and asked for forgiveness from the victims. They stated:

“Given the gravity of his faults, we cannot look to his person as a model of Christian or priestly life.”

On December 6, 2010, under the guidance of the Pontifical Delegate, the General Government approved a decree containing specific provisions regarding the figure of Fr. Maciel. It outlined criteria for referencing him, the use of his writings, speeches, and photographs, the anniversaries of events in his life, and the use of the Congregation’s properties in his hometown in Mexico. Later, in January 2012, further instructions were issued regarding the anniversary of his death.

This process of self-examination continued with the celebration of the Extraordinary General Chapter. In a message dated February 6, 2014, the chapter fathers expressed their stance on the founder:

“We want to express our deep sorrow for the abuse of minor seminarians, the immoral acts with adult men and women, the arbitrary use of his authority and resources, the excessive consumption of addictive medications, and the misattribution of published works as his own. It is incomprehensible to us how he could present himself for decades as a priest and witness of the faith while concealing these immoral behaviors. We firmly condemn all of this (…) We also acknowledge with sadness our initial inability to believe the testimonies of those who had been victims of Fr. Maciel, the long institutional silence, and later, the hesitations and errors in judgment when informing members of the Congregation and others. We ask for forgiveness for these shortcomings, which have increased the pain and confusion of many.”

Furthermore, in point 11 of the Chapter Statement, significantly titled “God’s Plan and the Limited Role of the Founder,” it states:

“Following the common doctrine on religious institutes in the Church, the Legion of Christ and its essential characteristics do not ultimately originate in the person of the founder; they are a gift from God, which the Church has received, approved, and made its own, and which now lives within the Congregation and its members. Therefore, when speaking of our foundational charism, we must not only look at the initial impulse from God or how the founder received this grace in his life, but rather recognize that we stand before a charism that has already been shaped and institutionalized within the Church. God has entrusted this gift to us, and within our Congregation, despite all its historical challenges, we can discern His providential plan.”

Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome, December 14, 2013: Card. Velasio De Paolis ordains 31 Legionaries of Christ as priests.

Rome, June 1, 2004: Meeting between Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Fr. Álvaro Corcuera, LC, then Rector of the Center for Higher Studies.

2010

Interventions of Cardinal Velasio De Paolis and Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI and the Pontifical Delegate, Cardinal Velasio de Paolis, made statements about the founder and his relationship with the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi.

In a letter to the Legionaries of Christ and members of Regnum Christi, the Pontifical Delegate explained that:

“The majority of the Legionaries, in light of the situation of the Founder, have reacted positively by reaffirming their gratitude to God for their vocation and discovering all the good the Legion has done and continues to do. Furthermore, the Legion has been approved by the Church and cannot be disregarded as a work of God, in service to His Kingdom and the Church. The responsibilities of the founder cannot simply be transferred to the Legion of Christ itself.”

For his part, Pope Benedict XVI, in the interview book Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times. A Conversation with Peter Seewald, published by the Vatican Publishing House in 2010, after clarifying how it was “necessary to have certain evidence to be sure that the accusations had a foundation,” commented:

“For me, Marcial Maciel remains an enigmatic figure. On one hand, a life that, as we now know, was outside of morality, a life of adventures, dissipated, lost. On the other hand, we see the dynamism and strength with which he built the community of the Legionaries. Meanwhile, we have carried out an Apostolic Visitation and appointed a delegate who, with a group of collaborators, is preparing the necessary reforms. Naturally, corrections need to be made, but, in general terms, it is a healthy community. There are many young people in it who want to serve the faith with enthusiasm. This enthusiasm should not be destroyed. Many of them started with a false figure, but in the end, they have been called to adhere to a true one. This is the remarkable fact, the contradiction: that, so to speak, a false prophet was able to have a positive effect. These young people need to be given a new breath of life. A new structure is needed so that they do not fall into emptiness but, when properly guided, can serve the Church and mankind.”

This section has been taken from the publication «Historia Institucional de la Congregación de los Legionarios de Cristo y del Movimiento Regnum Christi» (2015), prepared by the General Historical Archive of the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi and published on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Congregation. Published in Spanish and Italian.

Texts: Salvatore Luciano Bonventre | Translations: Fr. Gonzalo Franco, LC | Selection of photographs: Salvatore Luciano Bonventre and Luigi Baldassarri | Coordination: Fr. Jaime Rodríguez, LC and Fr. Rodrigo Ramírez, LC

Information about aspects of the life of Fr. Marcial Maciel, LC.

We seek to approach the truth with humility and respect, acknowledging the pain caused and reaffirming our commitment to transparency and healing. The information we share has made us more aware of the suffering of those who have endured injustice and abuse. This drives us to continue building a culture of truth, justice, and renewal, with our eyes set on the future and the mission that God has entrusted to us.

Our purpose is to:

  • Strengthen the commitment to truth and support for the victims: through clear, transparent, and sincere actions, we seek to build safe environments.

  • Provide clarity: explain the facts and the actions taken honestly, recognizing past mistakes and current efforts toward repair and renewal.

  • Facilitate access to information: this space organizes and presents information that is already public and institutional, making it more accessible and understandable for those who wish to learn about it.

  • Promote coherence: as part of the various actions that have been carried out in line with the spirit of renewal and mission.

Who is this space intended for?

This space is intended for those who seek to better understand our history, actions, and process of renewal, including victims, members of Regnum Christi, and anyone interested in knowing the truth.

We acknowledge that the figure of Fr. Maciel is painful and contradictory for many people. Below, we share the steps we have taken towards truth and reconciliation.

Acknowledgment of the harm caused

  • Contradictory figure: Although it was not known to many, Fr. Maciel’s life was marked by serious crimes and behavior contradictory to the Gospel. (Capitular Statement 2014, numbers 269 to 279).
Capitular Statement (2014)
  • Impact on the victims: our deepest sorrow is regarding victims. We acknowledge that Fr. Maciel abused at least 60 minors since the 1940s, causing indelible wounds and also resulting in abuses of power and conscience.
Historial Report (2019)
  • Errors in our Institutional Response: In the past, complaints were not handled properly due to internal and external factors (handling of complaints, regulations, canonical processes). We deeply regret this omission and ask forgiveness from those who suffered due to the lack of action.

Focus on truth, justice, and healing

  • The search for the truth: The Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ has reviewed testimonies and archives and contacted victims to understand the abuse, its scope, causes, and consequences.
  • Reparation for the victims: Since 2010, through the superiors’ statement (March 25, 2010) and continuing with the 2014 General Chapter, we have apologized to all victims, and concrete measures have been taken to pursue paths of truth, justice, and healing with them. These measures include reparation, including material and psychological support.
Website 0Abuse.org
  • Public recognition: We have investigated and disclosed the facts uncovered, committing ourselves to truth and transparency. For this reason, since 2020, we have published an annual report on accountability and commitments made.
General Report and Annual Reports “Truth, Justice, and Healing”

Process of institutional renewal

  • Cultural change: Practices that did not promote the development of safe environments were eliminated. Additionally, policies on transparency and prevention were strengthened. For example, there are now greater opportunities for integral personal development, increased parental involvement in the vocational journey, greater transparency in processes and communications, and a stronger emphasis on personal vocational discernment, among others.
  • Review of norms: Under the guidance of the Holy See, the Constitutions and norms of the Congregation were reformed, removing outdated rules and promoting more participatory structures.
Capitular Statement (2014)
Timeline

About Fr. Marcial Maciel

Birth of Fr. Marcial Maciel in Cotija de la Paz, Michoacán, Mexico.

Fr. Marcial Maciel serves as superior and general director of the Legionaries of Christ.

Publication of the Motu proprio “Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela” by Pope John Paul II, which establishes new norms for investigating abuse within the Church.

The then Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in accordance with the Motu proprio of Pope John Paul II, Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela of 2001, opened a canonical investigation that concluded in 2006. In fact, on May 19 of that year, the Holy See issued a statement about the case.

“After subjecting the results of the investigation to careful study, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the direction of the new Prefect, His Eminence Cardinal William Levada, decided, taking into account both the advanced age of Reverend Maciel and his delicate health, to forgo a canonical process and invite the Father to a reserved life of prayer and penance, renouncing all public ministry. The Holy Father approved these decisions. Regardless of the person of the Founder, the meritorious apostolate of the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi Association is gratefully recognized.”

  • February 6, 2014: In the Extraordinary General Chapter, the Legionaries of Christ express their rejection and sorrow for the acts of abuse, the institutional errors in judgment, and the silence in the face of testimonies.

“We find it incomprehensible the inconsistency of continuing to present oneself for decades as a priest and witness of the faith while concealing these immoral behaviors. We firmly condemn all of this. We regret that many victims and affected individuals have waited in vain for an apology and reconciliation from Fr. Maciel, and today we want to offer that, expressing our solidarity with all of them.”

Questions & Answers

  • Life of Father Marcial Maciel
  • Priestly Formation
  • Investigation into the abuse cases

Marcial Maciel was a mysterious figure.* Many who sincerely desired to follow Christ followed him, but over time it was revealed that he led a double life contrary to the values he preached, causing great harm to the Church, the Legionaries, Regnum Christi, and those who trusted him (2014 Capitular Statement).

*Cf. Interview book Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times. A Conversation with Peter Seewald, published by Libreria Editrice Vaticana in 2010.

Father Maciel skillfully manipulated those around him, taking advantage of the trust and admiration he generated. His closed environment and ability to control narratives helped conceal his actions, which deepened the wounds caused when the truth was revealed. “The discovery and knowledge of the truth about the founder has caused surprise, confusion, and deep pain among the members of the Legion.” (Press Office of the Holy See, May 1, 2010).

Father Maciel was ordained a priest under the circumstances of the time, with processes and timelines that do not align with current standards. His ordination was valid and carried out by a bishop.

Father Maciel entered a seminary in Mexico in 1936 and, over a period of time, attended several of them. We know that he was expelled from the Montezuma seminary, but currently, there are no indications or reports in the archives suggesting that he was expelled from that seminary or any of the others for misconduct or inappropriate behavior.

Investigations have shown that the known cases of abuse committed by Father Maciel took place since the 1940s, at the beginning of the Congregation. These findings have helped better understand the extent of the harm caused (See General Report 1941–2019).

Initially, the response was defensive, and the allegations were not addressed in a timely and appropriate manner, which prolonged the suffering of the victims. However, since 2010, concrete steps have been taken to listen, understand, and repair the harm caused. (See “Radiography of Eight Decades to Eradicate Abuse”)

In past decades, including the Apostolic Visitation of 1956-1959, the awareness, understanding, and handling of these cases were denied and very limited. The accusations were not always investigated with the necessary depth, resulting in decisions that did not adequately protect the victims. This painful learning experience has led to the implementation of strict measures for care and prevention to ensure that similar situations do not occur again.

We continue working to learn from the past and always prioritize safe environments, truth, and justice.

Initially, Father Maciel used medications to treat intense pain, but over time he developed a dependence on morphine. This misuse was hidden from many people, while others were deceived. We have no evidence to confirm that he trafficked in medications or other substances.

As the general director, the highest authority of the Congregation, and the one who maintained relationships with benefactors and donors, Father Maciel had the authority to make decisions on many aspects, including financial resources, which allowed him to use large amounts of money for personal use without accountability.

From testimonies, we know that Father Maciel used these resources for many matters related to the Congregation, but also for his own purposes including supporting his hidden families and other institutions.

No, the Legion never invested money in countries considered tax havens. For some time, the Congregation had non-profit entities for fundraising to support the formation of seminarians in other parts of the world according to the applicable tax laws.

Questions & Answers

  • Relationship with the victims
  • Renewal and institutional change

A process of outreach, active listening, and reparations has been established, publicly and personally asking for forgiveness. Efforts have been made to contact victims, offering material, psychological support, and accompaniment, always respecting their will and personal process. We acknowledge that not all victims have been able or willing to have this approach, and that there are still some we have not reached. We remain open to listening and offering means of reparation.

Clear prevention policies and accessible reporting channels have been implemented, promoting a culture of respect and care for each individual. Additionally, we work in collaboration with external institutions specializing in protection and transparency, committing to accountability and being evaluated by independent experts. The formation of our members includes not only rules and protocols but also a deep awareness of the dignity of each person and the importance of building safe and healthy environments.

Since 2008, governance structures, the exercise of authority, the formation of members, institutional openness, and the review of norms have been the focus of a deep renewal under the guidance of the Holy See. These changes aim to ensure transparency, prevent abuse, and focus on Christ as a model of life. (All the information is in the 2014 Capitular Communication).

Father Maciel is considered the “historical founder” of the Legion of Christ and not “an example of holiness to be imitated.”

His story serves as a warning about the dangers of the abuse of power and the lack of life coherence. We have learned from this painful chapter and keep our focus on Christ, who is the true center and guide of our life and mission (See General Chapter Communiqué, 2014).

We align ourselves with the statement made by the Holy See in the Communiqué of May 1, 2010, as well as the words of Pope Francis in his speech to the participants in the General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ and in the General Assemblies of the Consecrated Women and Consecrated Laypeople of Regnum Christi (number 166).

Renewal is not just a process, but an ongoing commitment. We strive to learn from the past, support the victims, and live with transparency and faithfulness to the Gospel. As part of the Church, we seek to follow Christ with authenticity and humility, in service to His mission in the world.

Commitments to Truth and Safe Environments

We reiterate our commitment to the truth, the repair of harm to the victims, and the creation of safe environments. We acknowledge our mistakes and seek the truth, which is a painful but necessary path. We are grateful to those who have helped us correct our course, and we are committed to continuing to work pastorally with humility and transparency.

Channels for reporting and contact

  • To report any situation of abuse or request support, we provide our reporting channels: → https://www.0abuse.org/safe-environments/ 
  • More information about our prevention policies and the renewal process is available on the Safe Environments website.
  • Additionally, we encourage you to report the incident to the civil authorities of your country.

Additional information

  • For more information about the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ, refer to History [spanish]; for details regarding the reforms made, you can refer to Intervention of the Holy See [spanish].
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