Pope Benedict to preside over Legion meeting's first session

Vatican City, Apr 29, 2010 / 15:52 pm

Pope Benedict XVI will preside over the final meeting of the Apostolic Visitation of the Legionaries of Christ tomorrow, before making his decision in the case that will determine the future of the congregation.

On Friday, the Pope will meet with the five bishops who have been in charge of investigating the Legion since July 15, 2009. The bishops, who hail from Europe and the Americas, will each have the chance to address the Pope directly and present a bottom line proposal before the meeting enters a session of open dialogue. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone will also be present at the meeting.

The five apostolic visitors are: Bishop Ricardo Watti Urquidi of Tepic, Mexico; Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver; Bishop Giuseppe Versaldi of Alessandria, Italy; Archbishop Ricardo Ezzato Andrello of Concepción, Chile; and Archbishop Ricardo Blázquez Pérez of Biblao, Spain.

Tomorrow’s visitation meeting will be comprised of two morning sessions and two afternoon sessions. In case an additional session is required, the visitors have all been asked to remain in Rome until Saturday afternoon, even though the day is a state holiday.

Pope Benedict is scheduled to preside over the first session, but he may choose to stay longer.

While Vatican Press Secretary Fr. Federico Lombardi has said that a statement will follow the meeting, no specific decisions will be made immediately. The Pope will issue his decision after reviewing and reflecting on the conclusions made in the reports.