VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is signaling he will sign off on the reform process of the Legion of Christ religious order, which was disgraced by revelations its founder was a pedophile.
In a letter made public yesterday, Francis confirmed the order would convene a general assembly in early 2014 to elect new leadership and approve a revised set of constitutions.
He said these would be "fundamental steps in the path towards authentic and profound renewal."
Then-Pope Benedict XVI took over the Legion in 2010 after a Vatican investigation determined its founder led a double life: The late Rev. Marcial Maciel sexually molested seminarians and fathered three children.
Benedict ordered a wholesale reform of the order after finding serious problems with its culture. Many priests disillusioned with the reform have left.
Pope seems set to approve Legion of Christ reform
Pope Francis delivers his speech in St. Peter's square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience yesterday, June 26, 2013.(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)