This report from the NCReporter and this commentary from Dom suggest that there is disagreement between the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Vatican Secretariat of State that is showing up in conflicting reports about the existence of an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving Legionaries of Christ founder Fr. Marcial Maciel. The recent statement that there is no process against Fr. Maciel came in the form of an unsigned fax bearing the seal of the Secretariat, which has no authority in the matter. The CDF, which is charged with handling these allegations, has made no statement, even to the Secretariat.
The worst tragedy is the existence of the allegations of course. I hope they are not true, but if they are, I pray for healing for the victims and for forgiveness and mercy for Fr. Maciel.
At the same time, it's unfortunate to have false messages coming from high-ranking offices on such a grave subject. At best, it's an incredibly irresponsible mistake, which opens the Church up to justifiable criticism and damages Her credibility. At worst, we have officials charged with important duties in spreading the protecting the faith engaged in disinformation. Nobody wins here.
This is a horrible time to have politics affecting the Church's handling of sexual misconduct. It is a reminder, however, that those charged with responsibility in the Church need our constant prayer.
