Legionaries founder would face restriction on ministry, Legionaires deny any action from the Vatican

Rome, Italy, May 17, 2006 / 22:00 pm

A recent article published in tomorrow’s edition of the National Catholic Reporter (NCR), stated that a Vatican source disclosed a forthcoming disciplination of the founder of the Legionaries of Christ, Fr Maciel Degollado, by the Vatican.

Jim Fair, spokesperson of the Legionaries of Christ, told CNA today, that this was “just more speculation.” on an a long list of attacks against the Legionaries and its founder.

Unaware of the NCR article, the spokesperson of the Legionaries said that "right now, We’re not waiting for anything from the Vatican.”

The Vatican source affirms that new restrictions may come upon Fr. Maciel that should be announced in a statement by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.

Theses Restrictions would limit Fr. Maciel's public activity, such as his capacity to celebrate public Masses, to give lectures or other public presentations, and to give interviews for print or broadcast.

The restrictions have apparently been approved by Pope Benedict XVI, and the Vatican is expected to issue a brief statement shortly

Founded by Maciel in 1941, the Legionaries of Christ has become one of the most influential and rapidly growing communities in the church. Today the order numbers some 650 priests and 2,500 seminarians worldwide. The lay branch of the Legionaries, Regnum Christi, reportedly has 50,000 members worldwide.

The Vatican is expected to issue a statement Friday concerning its investigation into allegations the Mexican founder of the Legionaries of Christ sexually abused seminarians decades ago, Vatican officials said Thursday.