In a shocking new documentary titled "Marcial Maciel: The Wolf of God," the sinister double life of one of the Catholic Church's most infamous figures is vividly brought into the spotlight. Marcial Maciel, known both as a prolific fundraiser and a predatory abuser, managed to escape earthly justice despite his egregious crimes, which included the sexual abuse of at least sixty minors.

Journalist Jason Berry, featured in the documentary, describes Maciel as the greatest criminal in the history of the Catholic Church, highlighting the disturbing paradox of his ability to both commit severe crimes and simultaneously charm significant financial donations from wealthy widows and other devout Catholics. This money helped establish the Legion of Christ, a religious order that Maciel used as both shield and resource to further his nefarious activities.

The film delves deep into Maciel's strategy for avoiding criticism within his order – a fourth vow imposed on Legion members never to speak ill of their superiors, effectively silencing dissent and cloaking Maciel's misdeeds.

Despite numerous victims coming forward over the years, the documentary illustrates how the Church, under multiple papacies, including that of Pope John Paul II, consistently chose to overlook the accusations against Maciel. This inaction is starkly portrayed through interviews with victims and insights into the close relationship between Maciel and John Paul II, who is shown to have offered protection and praise for Maciel’s work, even amidst swirling rumors of misconduct.

Later in his life, Cardinal Ratzinger, who would become Pope Benedict XVI, took steps to discipline Maciel, ordering him to a life of prayer and penance – instructions Maciel flagrantly ignored, continuing to enjoy a lavish lifestyle funded by his ill-gotten gains.

The documentary also uncovers the personal toll of Maciel’s actions, revealing that he fathered children with at least two women, whom he also abused. It even suggests that Pope John Paul II was aware of these children, adding another layer of complicity to the Church's highest offices.

As the film concludes, it does not shy away from the broader implications of Maciel's life and the systemic issues within the Catholic Church. It poses a poignant question to the audience: Was Maciel sick, evil, or both? And it challenges the current leadership under Pope Francis and the newly appointed U.S. citizen Pope Leo IV to finally address the longstanding protection of abusers within the Church.

"Marcial Maciel: The Wolf of God" is not just a recounting of past horrors but a pressing call to action, urging today's Church leaders to prioritize the protection of the vulnerable and the pursuit of justice for victims over the preservation of power and reputation.