Late Mexican priest in chastity scandal

An influential Mexican cleric who founded the Legionnaires of Christ (LOC) has been accused of fathering multiple children.

The late Rev. Marcial Maciel passed away in 2007 after overseeing decades of growth in the LOC to include about 800 priests and 70000 lay affiliates. Reports emerged earlier this year that he had a mistress “for many years” and may have sired at least one child.

Now comes word from Mexico that Maciel’s double life was more sordid than once thought. Three people claiming to have been his offspring are suing the LOC for inheritance rights. Maciel’s mistress alleged that she was a minor when she first got involved with him and that she was supported with LOC funds. There may have even been a cover-up of Maciel’s actions by higher-ups in the LOC.

The recent allegations have shaken the LOC to its core:

The latest accusations will give added urgency to questions about which other members of the Legionaries' leadership team were aware of the founder's personal misconduct and his misappropriation of funds. In July the Vatican opened an investigation of the Legionaries, with five prelates probing the order's affairs in different locations around the world.

Image- Catholic News Agency
Online Sources- Catholic Culture, The Telegraph, The Latin Americanist