While the global media scrambles to unearth evidence of the pontiff''s supposed pattern of indifference to clergy sex abuse, a recent National Catholic Reporter story confirms that while he served as Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger kept the Legion of Christ at arm's length, and acted against its founder as soon as he had the chance. Damien Thompson in The Telegraph offers some additional commentary on the Legion's massive fundraising operation that bankrolled conferences, and other projects and services for appreciative Vatican officials--thereby building considerable good will that Father Maciel later would use to his advantage. Did Maciel's powerful friends know what was going on, or were they manipulated by a brilliant con artist?
Friends and admirers of the late Pope John Paul II have worried that his legacy could be badly tarnished if his top advisers are drawn into the Legion of Christ scandal. However, in the wake of his death, the responsibility for Maciel's dark record will be passed on to other Church authorities, and it is unlikely to be placed at the door of those who fought hardest against disciplinary actions for Maciel. The cruelest irony is that it won't matter whether it was Benedict who forced Maciel's retirement or not. Ultimately, he still will be held responsible.
During its glory days, the Legion of Christ gained credibility and influence by riding on the coattails of the beloved John Paul II. The favor was returned when the Legion's army of dynamic young priests filled the vacuum left by the Jesuits, who once worked mightily on behalf of the pope. Now, if the Legion is truly devoted to the service of the Holy Father, its leaders must act decisively to take responsibility for their blind ignorance--or willing facilitation of his manipulative agenda. If they love the pope, they must act before this becomes one more crime laid at his doorstep.
UPDATE: Here is the second installment of Jason Berry's recent report on the Legion in the National Catholic Reporter.
The most interesting part of Berry's tale is his snapshot of the Legion's Mexican roots--the powerful, wealthy families that backed Maciel in the early days and the scions of these families who are now contesting his legacy. This is the stuff of tragedy, and some of it involves senior Legion authorities who continue to resist a transparent review of the damage he wrecked--even as they grapple privately--no doubt--with his impact on their own life choices.
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