Mexican Bishops' Statement on Legionaries' Founder

MEXICO CITY, MAY 21, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the statement issued Friday by the Mexican episcopal conference regarding the founder of the Legionaries of Christ and the Regnum Christi movement, Father Marcial Maciel.

The Holy See's statement, released Friday, said it would stop the canonical investigation into allegations against the 86-year-old, Mexican-born founder.

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Mexico City, May 19

The conference of the Mexican episcopate manifests its full communion with the Holy Father Benedict XVI in the decision taken on the investigation of accusations made against Father Marcial Maciel, founder of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ.

The Holy Father has approved the decisions of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under the leadership of Cardinal William Joseph Levada, who stated -- taking into account Father Maciel's advanced age as well as his poor health -- that he would drop a canonical process and invite the Father to a silent life of prayer and penance, ceasing his public ministry.

We know that the Legionaries have accepted this disposition of the Holy See with a profound spirit of obedience and faith. As the official statement of the Holy See has done, we also acknowledge the evangelizing and social work that the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ has carried out for millions of Mexicans.

The apostolate that the Legionaries carry out in the country, with schools, universities and other social and evangelizing work is, without a doubt, of great benefit for the Church in Mexico.

Carlos Aguiar Retes
Bishop of Texcoco
Secretary-general
Mexican episcopal conference