Pope seems set to approve Legion of Christ reform

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is signaling he will sign off on the reform process of the Legion of Christ religious order, which was disgraced by revelations its founder was a pedophile.

In a letter made public yesterday, Francis confirmed the order would convene a general assembly in early 2014 to elect new leadership and approve a revised set of constitutions.

He said these would be "fundamental steps in the path towards authentic and profound renewal."

Then-Pope Benedict XVI took over the Legion in 2010 after a Vatican investigation determined its founder led a double life: The late Rev. Marcial Maciel sexually molested seminarians and fathered three children.

Benedict ordered a wholesale reform of the order after finding serious problems with its culture. Many priests disillusioned with the reform have left.