The Corporate Architecture of Opus Dei — and Why Rome Never Dissolved the Legion of Christ
The Legion’s Lesson
After the devastating scandal of its founder Marcial Maciel — a tale of homosexuality, deceit, and immense wealth — the logical move would have been for the Vatican to dissolve the congregation 'Legion of Christ'.
But that’s not what happened.
Why? Because the Vatican discovered that the Legion’s assets were not actually Church property. Every university, residence, and institution was owned by private foundations and corporations, each with its own board, its own accounts, and watertight legal documentation.
To dissolve the order would have meant inheriting debts without touching a single euro of assets. So the Vatican chose the sensible path: to let the Legion fade away under its own weight.
The Torreciudad Parallel
InfoVaticana finds the same pattern now at Torreciudad, the monumental Marian shrine linked to Opus Dei in Spain. Like the Legion, it combines a grand spiritual image with an even grander civil architecture.
Since 2021, the sanctuary itself has been owned by the Foundation Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Torreciudad. There is only a right of use in favor of Opus Dei.
The surrounding 19 hectares, including buildings and facilities, belong to Inmobiliaria Aragonesa S.A., a private corporation tied to Opus Dei’s circles.
In 2014, this company granted a 20-year free usufruct (until 2035) to the Patronato de Torreciudad, a civil, non-profit association that manages the site.
In other words, ownership rests entirely in private hands—not with the Vatican, nor with the Prelature of Opus Dei.
When Rome tries to intervene, it finds itself lost in a labyrinth of contracts and corporate shields—and, as always, ends up with nothing to seize but the air conditioning bill.
Picture: InfoVaticana, #newsKxnidnicdc