The Vatican recently launched an investigation into seven priests from the Legion of Christ for abuse of minors, another two priests are being investigated for other crimes. This marks the first known Vatican action against priests following a similar, high-profile case.

The latter case was that of the Legion’s founder, Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado who was found guilty of raping and molesting his seminaries, crimes which the Vatican insisted were the absolute exception and his alone. During his tenure in the priesthood, Degollado fostered a culture of secrecy which allowed him to hide his crimes, for a time. The newly accused seem to have employed similar measures.

“In a statement Friday to The Associated Press, the Legion confirmed it had referred seven cases of alleged abuse to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. All but one involves alleged abuse dating from decades ago; one case involves recent events, the Legion said.”

Two other priests have also been accused of sacramental crimes, and are believed to have used “spiritual direction to have inappropriate relations with women.”

The Legion was once praised for the sterling example it set, not only in attracting vocations to the priesthood but also substantial financial backing. Since 2010 the Vatican has taken over from the Legion and is strongly pushing for reform.

[Source: NY Times, Washington Post]