A shake-up of conservative Catholic organisation Opus Dei got here into impact Thursday, beneath a decree ordered by Pope Francis that consultants say reduces its energy and independence.
The evangelising organisation, which is current notably in Europe and Latin America and whose title means "God's Work", was given distinctive standing within the Catholic Church beneath pope John Paul II.
Since then, Opus Dei has develop into a type of super-diocese working throughout borders and answerable to the pope -- drawing accusations of secretive behind-the-scenes energy video games that it has all the time denied.
The reforms, introduced by Pope Francis in a Motu Proprio edict final month, are a part of wider modifications to modernise and introduce better transparency throughout the authorities of the Catholic Church.
Any further, the Opus Dei chief -- the prelate -- will not be appointed a bishop, and the organisation turns into depending on the Dicastery (or ministry) of the Clergy.
Yearly, as an alternative of each 5 years beforehand, the prelate should undergo that physique a report about its work.
"A type of governance based mostly on charism greater than on hierarchical authority is required," the pope wrote in his decree.
Forty years after John Paul II's recognition in 1982, "Francis seeks to finish an excessively hierarchical construction", famous Jesus Bastante, of specialist publication Faith Digital.
In an open letter, Opus Dei Prelate Fernando Ocariz stated he accepted the modifications and urged members to observe the pope's attraction "to unfold the decision to holiness on the planet".
Opus Dei spokesman Manuel Sanchez advised AFP: "Some have interpreted the Holy See's provisions by way of downgrading, or lack of energy.
"We aren't interested by this type of reasoning, as a result of for a Catholic there isn't any level in utilizing classes of energy or worldly classes."
Opus Dei was based in 1928 by the Spanish priest Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, who died in Rome in 1975 and whose position beneath Francisco Franco's dictatorship stays controversial.
Opus Dei says it has at present round 90,000 members worldwide, 98 p.c of whom are lay members, women and men, the opposite two p.c monks.
Members are inspired to observe their religion by way of all components of their lives, significantly by way of work.
