Legionaries of Christ to hold extraordinary chapter

The television news agency Rome Reports says that Pope Benedict has told the Legionaries of Christ that they must hold an extraordinary chapter to adopt new constitutions. The message is contained in a letter give to Archbishop Velasio de Paolis, the Vatican financial chief whom Benedict appointed the pontifical delegate of the Legionaries last week.

According to Rome Reports, Benedict says in the letter that it is "necessary and urgent" for the Legionaries to take a journey of "deep review of the charisma of the Institute."

At the same time he tells members of the Legionaries he wants to "accompany them" and asks them not to leave "disheartened" at the "sad events" that took place.

Rome Reports is a private and independent international TV news agency based in Rome, Italy, specializing in covering the Vatican.