7 Legionary priests under investigation for abuse
May 11, 2012
Spokesmen for the Legion of Christ have acknowledged that 7 priests of the troubled religious order are under investigation by the Vatican on sex-abuse charges.
Responding to an AP query, the Legion admitted that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has received evidence regarding the 7 Legionary priests. The accusations involve “allegations of gravely immoral acts” with young people, the group said, adding that in all but one case the alleged transgressions occurred many years ago. The accused priests are being supervised and will not have access to children while they are investigated, the order said.
Two other Legionary priests are being investigated for crimes not related to sexual abuse, the order disclosed.
The Legion of Christ has been in turmoil since the revelation that its founder, the late Father Marcial Maciel, led a double life that included sexual abuse of young members, liaisons with women, and lavish spending of the Legion’s funds. The group is currently being reformed under the watch of a papal representative, Cardinal Velasio De Paolis.
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