Is the Catholic Church undergoing a period of significant reform, and if so, what are the implications for organizations like Opus Dei? Pope Francis' actions, particularly his recent adjustments to the governance of Opus Dei, signal a deliberate effort to shape the future of the Church and redefine the roles within it.
On July 22nd, Pope Francis issued a document that altered the oversight structure of Opus Dei, a personal prelature within the Catholic Church. This decision, conveyed through a motu proprio, confirmed the organization's status while simultaneously introducing key changes.
The most notable change stipulated that the leader of Opus Dei, known as the prelate, would no longer hold the title of bishop. This contrasts with the precedent set by previous leaders. Furthermore, the prelate will now report to the Dicastery for Clergy, indicating a shift in the lines of authority and a closer integration with the Vatican's administrative structure.
This wasn't the first time Pope Francis has addressed the internal workings of Opus Dei. In July 2022, he initiated a reform via the motu proprio "Ad charisma tuendum," ("To protect the charism"). The reform aimed to safeguard the founding principles of the apostolate, which is the work of spreading the call to holiness throughout the world, and to promote the evangelizing action of its members. This involved amending the organization's statutes.
| Pope Francis | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 28, 1992 |
| Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires | February 28, 1998 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Motto | Miserando atque eligendo (By having mercy and by choosing him) |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, mercy, and compassion. Reform of the Roman Curia. Environmental advocacy. |
| Notable Encyclicals | Lumen Fidei (2013, with Benedict XVI), Evangelii Gaudium (2013), Laudato si' (2015), Fratelli Tutti (2020), Dilexit nos (2024) |
| Website | Vatican Website |
The changes implemented by Pope Francis are not isolated events; they are part of a broader trend of the current pontiff's actions. These changes also raise questions about the direction of the Church. Some observers have considered whether these steps are an attempt to modify the organization's structure in contrast to what its founder, Saint Josemara Escriv, initially envisioned.
The modifications to Opus Dei's governance structure, specifically the prelate no longer being a bishop and the shift in reporting lines, point to a greater emphasis on centralized control and accountability within the Vatican's framework. It's a move that could be interpreted as part of a larger plan to align all church organizations more closely with the Pope's vision for the Church.
Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of putting people in contact with Jesus, stating, "We need to put Jesus in contact with the people, without convincing them but allowing the Lord to do the convincing."(January 11, 2023). He has also offered guidance on friendship, declaring, "A friend isnt just an acquaintance, someone you enjoy passing the time of day with. Friendship is something much deeper."
This emphasis on personal relationships and spiritual guidance extends to his interactions with members of Opus Dei. On June 24th, Pope Francis received Monsignor Fernando Ocriz, the Prelate of Opus Dei, along with the Auxiliary Vicar, Monsignor Mariano Fazio, at the Vatican. He also addressed a letter to the Opus Dei university students, offering spiritual encouragement during their annual international congress in Rome. Pope Francis commended the dedicated efforts of the Opus Dei members and gave his blessing to the prelate and his assistant.
The press office of the Holy See reported that Pope Francis received on Monday the "moderator general" of Opus Dei, Monsignor Fernando de Ocriz. Javier del Castillo serves as the Vicar of Opus Dei for the U.S. and Canada.
Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining the original charism and spreading the call to holiness. In his actions, he urged Opus Dei members to do this. In the context of his directives, the phrase "to protect the charism" reflects a core tenet of his leadership. The reforms implemented by Pope Francis represent a significant shift in the relationship between the Vatican and Opus Dei.
The reform ordered by Pope Francis, through the motu proprio "Ad charisma tuendum," highlights this commitment. This document aimed to safeguard the initial goals of the apostolate and promote its members' efforts to spread the call to holiness. Pope Francis' actions also reflect a broader theme of modernizing and reforming the structure of the church, as well as promoting transparency and collaboration.
The changes also come at a time when the Catholic Church is navigating complex modern challenges. With a focus on issues of social justice, environmental stewardship (as seen in his encyclical Laudato si'), and promoting dialogue with people of different faiths, Francis' pontificate has also seen a shift in the church's relationship with the world.
The decisions are made within the context of the larger goals of his pontificate, which is to strengthen the church and bring it closer to the people. The aim is for the church to stay active and relevant in today's world.
The modifications to Opus Deis statutes aim at ensuring this, with the church, in effect, trying to streamline the process to spread its message of holiness. The changes underscore the importance of the evangelizing action that members of Opus Dei carry out in the world.
The focus extends beyond internal church structures. Pope Francis has addressed a letter to Opus Dei university students. In July 2022, Pope Francis ordered a reform in Opus Dei through the motu proprioAd charisma tuendum ("To protect the charism"), with the reform of the statutes of the apostolate.
Pope Francis has also demonstrated a deep interest in promoting friendship and connection. He offered advice on friendship. He said: "A friend isnt just an acquaintance, someone you enjoy passing the time of day with. Friendship is something much deeper."
Pope Francis' influence reaches into various areas, including his recent encyclical, Dilexit nos ("He loved us"), which was published on October 24, 2024. This encyclical explores the themes of human and divine love in Christ.
The Holy See's press office reported that Pope Francis met with Monsignor Fernando de Ocriz, the "moderator general" of Opus Dei. On the morning of Monday, June 24, Pope Francis held an audience with Monsignor Fernando Ocriz, the prelate of Opus Dei, who was accompanied by the auxiliary vicar, Monsignor Mariano Fazio.
Pope Francis' actions, including those related to Opus Dei, should be viewed against the larger backdrop of his vision for the Church. His pontificate continues to shape the future of the Catholic Church.
(Rome time), the funeral mass for the eternal repose of Pope Francis will be celebrated in the atrium of st. It will be broadcast on the vatican's official youtube channel, the link to which can be found in this article.
