New Grand Chancellor of the Athenaeum Elected: Fr. Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez López, L.C.

The General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ, meeting in Rome since January 20, has elected Fr. Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez López, L.C. as the new General Director of the Congregation for the 2026-2032 term.

With this appointment, Fr. Carlos Gutiérrez López also assumes the important role of Grand Chancellor of the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum (APRA), in accordance with the General Statutes of the Athenaeum. He succeeds Fr. John Connor, L.C., who has led the Congregation since 2020.

Fr. Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez López, L.C. is originally from Hermosillo, Mexico. He entered the Legion of Christ in 1999 and was ordained a priest in 2009. An alumnus of our Pontifical Athenaeum, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Theology, he has held various positions in governance, formation, and pastoral accompaniment over the years. He has carried out his ministry in several countries, including Chile, Italy, Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico.

Until now, Fr. Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez López, L.C. served as the Territorial Director for Northern Mexico, following extensive experience in coordinating family and youth ministry, as well as territorial governance in Latin America.

We express our gratitude to Fr. John Connor, L.C., for his service as Grand Chancellor of our Pontifical Athenaeum, and we welcome Fr. Carlos Alberto Gutiérrez López, L.C., accompanying him with our prayers in his new mission.