The operation to rescue the Legion of Christ from the abyss into which it was hurled by its founder, Marcial Maciel, has seen two new developments in recent days.

On January 31, Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, the delegate to whom Benedict XVI has given full authority, brought from four to six the number of members of the congregation’s general council.

The councilors who were already in office still include two of the most prominent members of the leadership group set up by Maciel, and very closely connected to him: the director general, -lvaro Corcuera, and the vicar general, Lu-s Garza Medina, both Mexican.

The two new councilors appointed by the papal delegate are Spanish: Juan Jose Arrieta Ibarrechebea, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Roman parish entrusted to the care of the Legionaries; and Jes-s Villagrasa, professor of philosophy at the pontifical university “Regina Apostolorum.”