Overview

• The HBO Max docuseries on Marcial Maciel revisits decades of sexual abuse and an institutional cover‑up, with reporting that he harmed at least 60 minors.
• In a formal communiqué, the congregation expressed solidarity with survivors and apologized for initially dismissing testimonies and maintaining institutional silence.
• The Legionaries said their role was limited to providing interviews and information, emphasizing they were not co‑producers and did not see the final cut.
• The group reproached the inclusion of images of people, including former minors, ex‑consecrated members and priests, without authorization, saying it caused distress.
• Context cited in the statements includes the Vatican’s 2006 order for Maciel’s retirement to penitence, the congregation’s prevention efforts over 15 years, renewed public scrutiny including unverified social‑media speculation about elite ties, and recent legal action such as the June arrest of Legionary priest Antonio María Cabrera.