Leo XIV Listened with Great Interest to the Explanations Given on the Current Study of the Prelature’s Statutes
Editorial (May 15, 2025, 5:10 PM, Gaudium Press) – Pope Leo XIV received yesterday in audience the Prelate of Opus Dei, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, accompanied by his Auxiliary Vicar, Monsignor Mariano Fazio, in a meeting that Opus Dei described as marked by closeness and affection from the Pontiff.
Among other topics, Pope Leo XIV inquired about the ongoing study of the Prelature’s Statutes. He listened with great interest to the explanations given. At the end of the audience, the Pope referred to the Marian invocations celebrated on the day of his election. In a familiar and trusting atmosphere, Leo XIV gave his paternal blessing to the Prelate and the Auxiliary Vicar, according to Opus Dei.
The Reform of the Statutes
Opus Dei is currently in the process of revising its statutes to adapt them to the motu proprio Ad Charisma Tuendum, issued by Pope Francis in July 2022.
One of the main changes introduced by the motu proprio was placing Opus Dei under the jurisdiction of the Dicastery for the Clergy, instead of the Dicastery for Bishops. As a result, the Prelate of Opus Dei would no longer hold the title of bishop but that of Supernumerary Apostolic Protonotary, meaning the Prelate would no longer be able to ordain priests for the community.
At the time, the reforms introduced by Ad Charisma Tuendum were met with some criticism. Concerns were raised over a perceived loss of autonomy, which some viewed as contrary to the intentions of Saint John Paul II when he granted personal prelature status to Opus Dei. However, perhaps the most significant criticisms were aimed at what some saw as a break with the charism of the institution. Being placed under the authority of the Dicastery for the Clergy, some feared, could lead to the “clericalization” of Opus Dei—undermining its distinctly lay founding vocation, characterized by an organic and equal cooperation between priests and laypeople. This stands in contrast to a model where lay members simply support a clerical institution.
The adaptation of the statutes was expected to be addressed during the General Congress of Opus Dei, held in Rome from April 23 to May 5, which coincided with the Sede Vacante. As a result, the Congress focused instead on the renewal of leadership positions.
As of now, there has been no official communication regarding the specific changes to the statutes that were discussed during the meeting with the Pope.
Some media outlets have also pointed out that the Vatican Press Office referred to the Prelate of Opus Dei as a “moderator,” which is incorrect and has occurred in the past.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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