Rome, Italy – Cardinal Velasio De Paolis, C.S., Pontifical Delegate for the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi, has published a text containing the essential principles of the Regnum Christi charism. Cardinal De Paolis sent the document by means of a letter that he signed on October 19 and addressed to all Legionaries and members of Regnum Christi.

The document contains the elements that shape the common charism of Regnum Christi: it is inspired by the mystery of Christ who came to establish the Kingdom of God with his incarnation, passion, death and resurrection. This vision is condensed in the phrase, Thy Kingdom Come! Regnum Christi promotes a powerful and personal experience of the love of Jesus Christ, and seeks to make him reign in the hearts of men and of society.


This document will serve as a sure reference point for the various callings that form part of Regnum Christi: the Legionaries of Christ, men and women who consecrate themselves by practicing the evangelical counsels, and single and married lay people. This document expresses the identity they share and enables them to reflect deeply on how they can follow Jesus Christ more closely, collaborate with him in their apostolic work, and thus serve the Church in the New Evangelization.


The document does not propose to reinvent the charism of Regnum Christi; rather, it is an effort to explain, assimilate, reflect on, and if necessary, purify the charism.


Cardinal De Paolis reminds us in his letter: “[It is] opportune to remember that the charism is considered an extraordinary gift from the Holy Spirit to the Church so that it may be built up in the diverse historical circumstances in which it lives. A charism is called a grace gratis data, given by means of the person called the founder. But a charism is not to be identified with the person of the founder, especially not with his or her holiness or sin. A charism is a gift made to the Church. The Church, by means of its legitimate authority, recognizes that a charism belongs to it… The Holy Father, while he recognizes this charism [of Regnum Christi], also requests that it be revised because of the historical circumstances in which it developed. This is our task. Not to create new things, but to revisit that which has been received in order to arrive at a greater comprehension of it, a deeper reflection upon it and, if necessary, a purification of it.”


With this document as a starting point, members of Regnum Christi throughout the world will be able to share experiences, reflect, and make concrete applications for their pastoral work in their respective dioceses. As well, they will be able to seek a closer following of Jesus Christ within their own vocations.

LETTER FROM CARDINAL DE PAOLIS + Cardinal Velasio De Paolis,c.s. For Cardinal De Paolis´ letter in the original Italian, click here.

PRINCIPLES OF THE REGNUM CHRISTI CHARISM