Mexican priest Father Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez has been elected the new director general of the Legionaries of Christ for the term spanning 2026 to 2032. His election took place during the congregation’s general chapter, convened in Rome on January 20. He succeeds Father John Connor, an American, as the organization seeks to continue its path of renewal.
Father Gutiérrez, aged 51, hails from Hermosillo in the state of Sonora, Mexico. He joined the Legionaries in 1999 and was ordained as a priest a decade later. Over the years, he has served in various countries, including Chile, Italy, Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico. Most recently, he held the position of territorial director for the northern region of Mexico.
In addition to his pastoral experience, Father Gutiérrez has an extensive academic background. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum and a degree in industrial and systems engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology. He has also earned a master’s degree in psychology from Divine Mercy University in Virginia.
Commitment to Renewal and Service
The congregation highlighted Father Gutiérrez’s responsibilities in a statement, entrusting him with the mission of “continuing the path of renewal” initiated in recent years. This effort is guided by the Church and emphasizes the importance of evangelization and outreach to those on the “existential peripheries.” The statement also noted that the new leadership aims to foster an institutional culture characterized by transparency, care, and service.
The ongoing general chapter, which includes 60 priests from 13 countries, will also address the election of general councilors and the general administrator. It is expected to reflect on various aspects of the life and mission of the Legionaries of Christ.
The Legion of Christ, founded in 1941, is a religious congregation recognized by the Vatican. It currently comprises 1,033 priests, 273 religious and novices, and has two bishops. The organization is part of the Regnum Christi spiritual family, which has undergone significant reform following reports of sexual abuse and power misuse tied to its founder, Marcial Maciel.
In February 2025, the new statutes of the Regnum Christi Federation were officially approved, defining it as a “spiritual family and apostolic body” composed of Legionaries of Christ, consecrated laymen, consecrated women, and lay members. These groups share a common charism, spirituality, and mission.
As the general chapter convenes, another assembly of the consecrated women of Regnum Christi is taking place in Rome, where Nancy Nohrden has been reelected as director general. Additionally, the assembly of consecrated laymen is in session, with a new leader to be elected shortly.
On January 28, Pope Leo XIV met with participants from both gatherings, urging them to clarify their identities. He expressed confidence that a deeper understanding of their vocations would enhance their ability to share the Gospel effectively.
Father Gutiérrez’s election marks a pivotal moment for the Legionaries of Christ as it strives to embody its commitment to renewal and service in a rapidly changing world.
