“These were days of intense work, many blessings, and much light (…) in which we experienced the richness of our Legionary brothers, each contributing their part to build the Chapter.”
These words of Father Carlos Gutiérrez, L.C., Director General of the Congregation, at the closing Mass of the Chapter, summarize much of what is happening today: after several weeks of work, prayer, and discernment, the 2026 General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ has concluded, experienced as a time of grace and listening to the Holy Spirit.
From its beginning, the Chapter unfolded in an atmosphere of prayer, fraternity, and ecclesial communion, with the sincere desire to seek together God’s will for the life and mission of the Legion of Christ in the coming years.
Read | The 2026 General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ begins in Rome
A Process of Listening and Communal Discernment
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
(Mt 18:20)
Throughout the Chapter, the 60 chapter fathers, from diverse countries, territories, and apostolic realities, worked following a synodal method that prioritized mutual listening, serene dialogue, and shared discernment.
The plenary sessions, group work, and contributions from the territorial assemblies allowed for a profound and realistic reflection on the current situation of the Congregation.
Among the main topics addressed were authority and obedience, fraternal life, fidelity to the charism, the apostolic mission in Regnum Christi and in the dioceses, integral formation, vocational promotion, and the strengthening of an institutional culture of care, justice, and prevention, always at the service of people and in communion with the Church.
Read | Listening, prayer, and discernment mark the beginning of the General Chapter
Election of the New Director General and the Government of the Congregation
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit.” (Jn 15:16)
On Wednesday, February 4, after a moment of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, the Chapter Fathers elected Fr. Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez López, L.C., who will assume this mission for the period 2026–2032.
The following day, the General Councilors and the General Administrator were elected, thus forming the new government of the Legion of Christ, called to animate and guide the life of the Congregation with a spirit of service, co-responsibility, and fidelity to the Gospel.
Get to know the new government of the Legion:
Read | The Legionaries of Christ elect their new Director General
Read | Legionaries of Christ elect their new General Government
A Chapter Lived in Communion with the Church
“That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you.” (Jn 17:21)
The Chapter’s journey was marked by several significant moments of spiritual life and ecclesial communion.
On Monday, February 2, the Chapter Fathers participated in the Holy Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica, on the occasion of the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life. They concelebrated with hundreds of religious men and women from various institutes and congregations.
On Thursday, February 19, one of the most graceful moments of communion with the Church took place: the private audience with Pope Leo XIV, who received the Chapter Fathers at the Apostolic Palace. This meeting reaffirmed the Congregation’s ecclesial belonging and mission, encouraging them to always place Christ at the center of their personal, community, and apostolic lives, recalling that the charism they have received is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Read | “May this Chapter open you to a time of hope”: Pope to the General Chapter
The chapter fathers were also accompanied by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez, L.C., and Bishop Brian Farrell, L.C., strengthening the bonds of closeness and communion among the brothers.
In the following video, you will find some of the Holy Father’s messages from the Audience:
Read | Full text of Pope Leo XIV’s Audience with the Chapter Fathers
Visit the photo gallery of the Audience
The beginning of Lent was experienced in a special way, with a retreat marked by a sense of conversion, reparation, and inner renewal, as well as with extended periods of Eucharistic adoration and the celebration of Holy Mass.
Hope in the Resurrection
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)
During the Chapter, the Congregation also experienced moments of sorrow and hope with the passing of three Legionary brothers: Bishop Pedro Pablo Elizondo, L.C.; Father José Antonio Barco, L.C.; and Father Héctor Galván, L.C. Their witness of priestly dedication and love for the Church was remembered with gratitude, entrusting their souls to the Lord and strengthening the sense of communion in Christian hope.
Collegial Service to Regnum Christi
“Whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all.”
(Mark 9:35)
Within the framework of the General Chapter, the new governing bodies of Regnum Christi were also formed, establishing the General Board and the General Assembly of the Federation. In this way, the Legion of Christ will continue to exercise its service to Regnum Christi in a collegial manner, together with the Consecrated Women and the Consecrated Lay People, as a family and apostolic body at the service of the same evangelizing mission.
Looking to the Future with Hope
“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Mt 28:20) At the conclusion of this General Chapter, the Legionaries of Christ give thanks to God, renewing their commitment to serve the Church with fidelity, transparency, and a missionary spirit. Aware of the challenges of our time and trusting in the action of the Holy Spirit, they begin a new stage marked by the desire to continue deepening their identity and mission.
In his homily at the closing of the Chapter, Father Carlos Gutiérrez, Director General of the Congregation, emphasized that “we have witnessed the unity and simplicity of our Legionary brothers. Yes, sometimes with differing opinions, but also with a process of communication, dialogue, listening, attention, and mutual understanding to jointly seek solutions.”
He indicated that “in this final stretch, the words of Pope Leo XIV resonate, inviting us to live this moment as a true time of grace, discernment, and listening to the Holy Spirit.” He added, recalling the Papal Audience once again, that “we are not owners, but custodians and servants of the gift received, of the charism He has given us.”
Regarding the highs and lows in the history of the Congregation, Fr. Carlos expressed that “the Gospel speaks to us of the need for reconciliation. In these weeks we have looked at our history honestly, without justifying the past, without denying the pain, without glossing over the difficult questions, but also without allowing the past to chain us.”
“Let us ask Christ for a new heart, a truer communion, a humbler and more ardent identity, and a perseverance that will not break with weariness. Let us entrust this new stage of the Legion to Our Lady of Sorrows,” he concluded.
Sustained by prayer, fraternity, and the daily Eucharist—celebrated each morning as the center of Chapter life—the Congregation looks to the future with hope, always seeking to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ more closely, to make Him present in their own hearts, in the lives of others, and in society.
The 2026 Chapter Statement, which will include the main conclusions of these weeks and the guidelines for governance for the next six years, will be published soon.
We leave you with the video summary:
Trusting in Our Lord Jesus Christ, let us pray for the fruits of the Chapter for the apostolic mission of the Legion.
Official Information Site
Complete information about the 2026 General Chapter is available on our website in Spanish and English.
We invite you to visit the official Chapter gallery.
Official Social Media
X: @LegiondeCristo
Instagram: @legionariosdecristo
Facebook: Legionarios de Cristo
