{"id":50218,"date":"2024-01-04T01:25:51","date_gmt":"2024-01-04T06:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/?p=50218"},"modified":"2025-05-15T16:38:21","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T20:38:21","slug":"the-great-fissure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/the-great-fissure\/","title":{"rendered":"The Great Fissure","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-50220\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Great-Fissure-BG.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"590\" height=\"622\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Great-Fissure-BG.jpg 1088w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Great-Fissure-BG-285x300.jpg 285w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Great-Fissure-BG-971x1024.jpg 971w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Great-Fissure-BG-768x810.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><em>Nihil innovetur, nisi quod traditum est<\/em><\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>&#8220;Let there be no innovation beyond what has been handed down.&#8221;<\/strong><em><br \/>\n<\/em>\u2014POPE Saint Stephen I (+ 257)<\/span><em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>THE<\/strong> Vatican&#8217;s permission for priests to dole out blessings for same-sex &#8220;couples&#8221; and those in &#8220;irregular&#8221; relationships has created a deep fissure within the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n<p>Within days of its announcement, nearly entire continents (<a href=\"https:\/\/international.la-croix.com\/news\/religion\/while-not-unanimous-most-african-bishops-reject-blessings-for-same-sex-couples\/18913\">Africa<\/a>), bishops&#8217; conferences (eg. <a href=\"https:\/\/rorate-caeli.blogspot.com\/2023\/12\/hungarian-bishops-conference-rejects.html\">Hungary<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/catholicvote.org\/polish-bishops-condemn-fiducia-supplicans\/\">Poland<\/a>), cardinals, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.complicitclergy.com\/2023\/12\/21\/watch-marian-fathers-of-the-immaculate-conception-refuse-to-bless-homosexual-unions\/\">religious orders<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifesitenews.com\/news\/traditional-redemptorist-community-announces-opposition-to-blessings-of-homosexual-couples\/\">rejected<\/a> the self-contradictory language in <a href=\"https:\/\/press.vatican.va\/content\/salastampa\/it\/bollettino\/pubblico\/2023\/12\/18\/0901\/01963.html#en\"><em>Fiducia supplicans<\/em><\/a> (FS). According to a press release this morning from Zenit, &#8220;15 Episcopal Conferences from Africa and Europe, plus around twenty dioceses worldwide, have prohibited, limited, or suspended the application of the document in the diocesan territory, highlighting the existing polarization around it.&#8221;<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_1');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_1');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_1\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Jan 4, 2024, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/zenit.org\/2024\/01\/03\/dicastery-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith-issues-new-clarification-on-blessings-to-gay-and-irregular-couples\/?eti=12936\">Zenit<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> A <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_opponents_of_Fiducia_supplicans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikipedia page<\/a> following opposition to <em>Fiducia supplicans<\/em> currently counts rejections from 16 bishops\u2019 conferences, 29 individual cardinals and bishops, and seven congregations and priestly, religious, and lay associations. <!--more--><\/p>\n<p>The Declaration, claimed to be signed by the Pope, also conflicted with his previous magisterial statement two years prior in response to a question (<em>dubia<\/em>) asking if same-sex unions could be blessed. The answer then was a clear no: only <em>individuals <\/em>could ask for a blessing since to bless the couple &#8220;would manifest not the intention to entrust such individual persons to the protection and help of God&#8230; but to approve and encourage a choice and a way of life that cannot be recognized as objectively ordered to the revealed plans of God&#8221; (see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/have-we-turned-a-corner\/\"><em>Have We Turned a Corner<\/em><\/a>).<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>The answer to the proposed <i>dubium<\/i><\/strong> [\u201cDoes the Church have the power to give the blessing to unions of persons of the same sex?\u201d] <strong>does not preclude the blessings given to individual persons with homosexual inclinations, who manifest the will to live in fidelity to the revealed plans of God as proposed by Church teaching. Rather, it declares illicit <em>any<\/em> form of blessing that tends to acknowledge their unions as such. <\/strong>\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/roman_curia\/congregations\/cfaith\/documents\/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20210222_responsum-dubium-unioni_en.html\"><em>Responsum<\/em><\/a> of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to a dubium regarding the blessing of the unions of persons of the same sex, February 22, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>However, the new document attempts to legitimize such blessings by replacing the word &#8220;union&#8221; with &#8220;couple&#8221;, thereby justifying &#8220;the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-50143\" style=\"margin: 1px 2px 1px 2px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/blessingconfusion.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"353\" height=\"349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/blessingconfusion.jpg 1212w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/blessingconfusion-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/blessingconfusion-1024x1014.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/blessingconfusion-768x760.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px\" \/>without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church\u2019s perennial teaching on marriage.&#8221;<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_2');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_2');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_2\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[2]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_2\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/press.vatican.va\/content\/salastampa\/it\/bollettino\/pubblico\/2023\/12\/18\/0901\/01963.html#en\">Fiducia supplicans<\/a><\/em>, On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings Presentation<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> But clergy around the world immediately denounced the wordplay as &#8220;doubleminded&#8221;,<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_3');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_3');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_3\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[3]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_3\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstthings.com\/web-exclusives\/2023\/12\/the-cost-of-making-a-mess\">Emeritus Archbishop Charles Chaput<\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_3').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_3', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> a &#8220;sophistry&#8221;,<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_4');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_4');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_4\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[4]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_4\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecatholicthing.org\/2023\/12\/19\/gods-blessings-and-magisterial-teaching\/\">Fr. Thomas Weinandy<\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_4').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_4', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> and a &#8220;deceit and cunning way.&#8221;<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_5');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_5');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_5\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[5]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_5\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0OEMgb_0ams\">Bishop Athanasius Scheider<\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_5').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_5', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>I remember when the trans law was being discussed, that we were in a procession at St. Ignatius Parish and some trans persons came to ask me for my blessing and I gave them a blessing. [It is]Another thing&#8230; to bless a homosexual couple. There it is no longer the blessing of the persons, but of the couple, and the entire tradition of the Church, even a document from two years ago, says that it\u2019s not possible to do this.<\/strong> \u2014Cardinal Daniel Sturla, Archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay, Dec. 27, 2023,<\/span><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.catholicnewsagency.com\/news\/256382\/fiducia-supplicans-not-a-topic-for-christmas-season-cardinal-says\"><span style=\"font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">Catholic News Agency<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Since the document treats the partners precisely under the aspect of the relationship, whose defining activity is intrinsically and gravely evil, it includes in the scope of the blessing an object that may not be blessed.<\/strong> \u2014Dr. Christopher Malloy, Chairman and Professor of Theology at The University of Dallas, December 30, 2023; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.catholicworldreport.com\/2023\/12\/30\/fiducia-supplicans-a-chimerical-hope\/?unapproved=413913&amp;moderation-hash=5e2f59f1242bd9d0a348ba0415e8ac34#comment-413913\">catholicworldreport.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In fact, John Paul II warned of the secular attempt to give meaning to the word &#8220;couple&#8221; disassociated from sexual differences:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>The value of marital indissolubility is increasingly denied; demands are made for the legal recognition of<i> de facto<\/i> relationships as if they were comparable to legitimate marriages; and attempts are made to accept a definition of the couple in which difference of sex is not considered essential.<\/strong> \u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/john-paul-ii\/en\/apost_exhortations\/documents\/hf_jp-ii_exh_20030628_ecclesia-in-europa.html\"><em>Ecclesia in Europa<\/em><\/a>, n. 90, June 28, 2003<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Yet others, such as the Canadian bishops, issued a much more benign interpretation saying &#8220;The guiding principle in the Declaration is the fact that the very request for a blessing represents an openness to God\u2019s mercy and can be an occasion for greater trust in God.\u201d<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_6');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_6');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_6\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[6]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_6\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cccb.ca\/announcement\/statement-of-cccb-on-vaticans-document-addressing-pastoral-blessings\/\">cccb.ca<\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_6').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_6', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> However, that presumes that the couple \u2014 already in a state of objective grave sin \u2014 are, in fact, seeking God&#8217;s mercy. And if they are, this begs another question:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Why [are] they asking this blessing as a couple, not as a single person? Of course, a single person who has this problem with same-sex affection can come and ask a blessing to overcome the temptations, to be able, with the grace of God, to live chastely. But as a single person, he will not come with his partner \u2014 this will be a contradiction in his way to live according to the will of God.\u00a0<\/strong> \u2014Bishop Athanasius Schneider, December 19, 2023; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0OEMgb_0ams\">youtube.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5>Twisting Papal Authority<\/h5>\n<p>It seems almost every day, news of more clergy rejecting <em>Fiducia supplicans<\/em> (FS) makes the headlines.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_7');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_7');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_7\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[7]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_7\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">eg. Peruvian Bishop bans same-sex blessings; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifesitenews.com\/news\/peruvian-bishop-bans-same-sex-blessings-says-fiducia-supplicans-harms-the-communion-of-the-church\/\">lifesitenews.com<\/a>; Spanish priests launch petition to have FS annulled; <a href=\"https:\/\/infovaticana-com.translate.goog\/2024\/01\/03\/sacerdotes-espanoles-lanzan-una-campana-de-recogida-de-firmas-pidiendo-al-papa-que-anule-fiducia-supplicans\/?_x_tr_sl=es&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=en&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp\">infovaticana-com<\/a>; German priests reject FS as contradictory, cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifesitenews.com\/news\/faithful-german-priests-pope-francis-blessings\/\">lifesitenews.com<\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_7').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_7', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> In fact, the Eastern rite of the Catholic Church has flatly said &#8220;no&#8221; to what FS calls a &#8220;new development&#8221; in blessings.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_8');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_8');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_8\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[8]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_8\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/catholicherald.co.uk\/ukrainian-greek-catholic-church-announces-fiducia-supplicans-has-no-legal-force-for-its-followers\/\">catholicherald.co.uk<\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_8').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_8', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> This has sparked an unprecedented crisis where bishops are resisting a document, signed by the pope, that they say is &#8220;impossible&#8221; to carry out as written.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-50222\" style=\"margin: 2px 5px 2px 5px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.08.04@2x-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"354\" height=\"248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.08.04@2x-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.08.04@2x-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.08.04@2x-1024x718.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.08.04@2x-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.08.04@2x-1536x1077.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.08.04@2x-2048x1435.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 354px) 100vw, 354px\" \/>But a handful of influential commentators on social media are attacking any clergy or laymen who voice concerns over the contradictory language of FS. They claim that the Magisterium (of Francis) has spoken, it must be unquestioningly obeyed, and that a pope cannot err even in his &#8220;ordinary magisterium.&#8221;\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, their arguments smell of <em>ultramontanism<\/em>, a modern heresy whereby papal powers are greatly exaggerated, warping the limits of the papal charism of infallibility.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Catechism of the Catholic Church<\/em> states:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #003366;\"><strong>The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful \u2014 who confirms his brethren in the faith, he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals&#8230;<\/strong><\/span> \u2014n. 891<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>This is an <em>ex cathedra <\/em>act \u2014 from the seat of Peter \u2014 and a rare one at that. Of course, the reverse then is true, that a pope can therefore be <em>fallible<\/em> when exercising the rest of his teaching authority or &#8220;magisterium.&#8221;<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_9');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_9');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_9\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[9]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_9\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Popes have made and make mistakes and this is no surprise. Infallibility is reserved\u00a0<em>ex cathedra<\/em>\u00a0[\u201cfrom the seat\u201d of Peter, that is, proclamations of dogma based on Sacred Tradition]. No popes in the history of the Church have ever made\u00a0<em>ex cathedra<\/em>\u00a0errors.\u00a0\u2014Rev. Joseph Iannuzzi, theologian and patristics expert<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_9').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_9', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>One such case in Church history was Pope Honorius who proposed that Christ had only &#8220;one will&#8221; (the Church, later on, affirmed as doctrine the &#8220;two wills&#8221; of Christ). Pope Agatho (678-681) would later condemn Honorius&#8217;s words. Nonetheless, here is an example where a pope could indeed be unclear, ambiguous, mistaken, and in need of filial correction. The last case of a pope in theological error was John XXII (1316 \u2013 1334) when he taught his theory that the Saints would enjoy the beatific vision only after the Last Judgment in the Second Coming of Christ. Bishop Athanasius Schneider notes that the treatment of that particular case in those times was as follows: there were public admonitions (University of Paris, King Philip VI of France), a refutation of the wrong Papal theories made through theological publications, and a fraternal correction on behalf of Cardinal Jacques Fournier, who eventually became his successor as Pope Benedict XII (1334 \u2013 1342).&#8221;<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_10');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_10');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_10\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[10]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_10\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Bishop Athanasius Schneider, <a href=\"https:\/\/onepeterfive.com\/bishop-athanasisus-schneider-on-the-question-of-a-heretical-pope\/\">onepeterfive.com<\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_10').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_10', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>And finally, in our times, commentary and opinions on vaccines or climate change do not constitute Church teaching and are not morally binding to the Christian faithful as they are beyond the purview of ecclesial competency.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_11');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_11');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_11\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[11]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_11\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Rev. Joseph Iannuzzi, STL, S. Th.D., Newsletter, Fall 2021; cf. <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/there-is-only-one-barque\/\">There is Only One Barque<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_11').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_11', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>The pope cannot commit heresy when he speaks\u00a0<em>ex cathedra<\/em>, this is a dogma of faith. In his teaching outside of\u00a0<em>ex cathedra statements<\/em>, however, he can commit doctrinal ambiguities, errors and even heresies. And since the pope is not identical with the entire Church, the Church is stronger than a singular erring or heretical Pope. In such a case one should respectfully correct him (avoiding purely human anger and disrespectful language), resist him as one would resist a bad father of a family. Yet, the members of a family cannot declare their evil father deposed from the fatherhood. They can correct him, refuse to obey him, separate themselves from him,<\/strong><span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_12');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_12');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_12\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[12]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_12\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">not schism, but obviously a separation from that which is not in accord with Sacred Tradition<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_12').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_12', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script><strong> but they cannot declare him deposed.<\/strong> \u2014Bishop Athansius Schneider, September 19, 2023; <a href=\"https:\/\/onepeterfive.com\/bishop-athanasius-schneider-on-the-validity-of-pope-francis\/?utm_source=pocket_saves\">onepeterfive.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>While some argue against the assertion that a pope can be a heretic,<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_13');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_13');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_13\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[13]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_13\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Can-a-Pope-Be-a-Heretic2.pdf\"><em>Can the Pope Be a Heretic?<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_13').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_13', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> the Catechism is clear that a pope can make certain fallible mistakes outside of <em>ex <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-50137 alignright\" style=\"margin: 1px 2px 1px 2px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Pope-approves.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"371\" height=\"301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Pope-approves.jpg 1530w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Pope-approves-300x244.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Pope-approves-1024x833.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Pope-approves-768x624.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 371px) 100vw, 371px\" \/>cathedra<\/em> acts that may require filial correction from those entrusted with the interpretation of God&#8217;s Word.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"color: #003366;\"><strong><span class=\"text\">The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him. <\/span><\/strong><\/span>\u2014CCC, 100<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>But the neo-ultramontanists will insist that the bishops are to submit to <em>whatever<\/em> the Pontiff says \u2014 even when it is theologically problematic. They will cite Pope Leo XIII, who wrote:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s\">\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Wherefore it belongs to the Pope to judge authoritatively what things the sacred oracles contain, as well as what doctrines are in harmony, and what in disagreement, with them; and also, for the same reason, to show forth what things are to be accepted as right, and what to be rejected as worthless; what it is necessary to do and what to avoid doing, in order to attain eternal salvation. For, otherwise, there would be no sure interpreter of the commands of God, nor would there be any safe guide showing man the way he should live.<\/strong> \u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/leo-xiii\/en\/encyclicals\/documents\/hf_l-xiii_enc_10011890_sapientiae-christianae.html\"><em>Sapientiae Christianae<\/em><\/a>, n. 24<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">This says that a pope can &#8220;judge authoritatively&#8221; (ie. definitively) and that s<span class=\"gmail_default\">uch a task &#8220;belongs&#8221; to him.<\/span> But it does not mean he <em>always <\/em>does so. As such, we have the example where Paul corrected Peter to his face for hypocritical behaviour in his pastoral incongruities between the Jews and the Gentiles. While Leo XIII says a Pope can show forth &#8220;what it is necessary to do and what to avoid doing,&#8221; clearly, that does not mean a pope always does so himself:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\" style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>And when Cephas [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong.<\/strong> (Gal 2:11)<\/span><\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><b>The post-Pentecost Peter\u2026 is that same Peter who, for fear of the Jews, belied his Christian freedom <\/b>(Galatians 2 11\u201314)<b>; he is at once a rock and a stumbling-block. And has it not been thus throughout the history of the Church that the Pope, the successor of Peter, has been at once Petra and Skandalon \u2014 both the rock of God and a stumbling block? <\/b>\u2014POPE BENEDICT XVI, from <em>Das neue Volk Gottes<\/em>, p. 80ff<\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<h5 dir=\"auto\">Following the Authentic Magisterium<\/h5>\n<div dir=\"auto\">According to the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, <em>Lumen Gentium:<\/em><\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">This religious submission of mind and will must be shown in a special way to the <em>authentic<\/em> magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, even when he is not speaking <em>ex cathedra<\/em>&#8230; <\/span><\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">\u2014n. 25, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/hist_councils\/ii_vatican_council\/documents\/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html\">vatican.va<\/a><\/span><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Note the word <em>authentic. <\/em>It comes from the Latin <em>authenticum<\/em>, which means &#8220;authoritative.&#8221; So a teaching belongs to the &#8220;authentic magisterium&#8221; if it has been authoritatively taught.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">In numerous messages from seers around the world, Our Lady has been warning us to remain faithful to the &#8220;true magisterium&#8221; of the Church: <\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><em><strong>Whatever happens, do not depart from the teachings of the true Magisterium of the Church of My Jesus.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.countdowntothekingdom.com\/pedro-contempt-for-the-truth\/\">Our Lady to Pedro Regis<\/a>, February 3rd, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><em><strong>Children, pray that the true Magisterium of the Church would not be lost. <\/strong><\/em>\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.countdowntothekingdom.com\/angela-judgment-is-not-up-to-you\/\">Our Lady of Zaro to Angela<\/a>, July 8, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>What constitutes the &#8220;true&#8221; or &#8220;authentic&#8221; magisterium of either a pope or the bishops is when they transmit that which has already been handed on to them and is consistent with the &#8220;deposit of faith.&#8221;<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_14');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_14');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_14\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[14]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_14\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countdowntothekingdom.com\/what-is-the-true-magisterium\/\"><em>What is the &#8220;True Magisterium&#8221;<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_14').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_14', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> As Christ commanded His Apostles before His ascension:<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\" style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations&#8230; teaching them to observe <em>all that I have commanded you<\/em>.<\/strong> (Matt 28:19-20)<\/span><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-50223\" style=\"margin: 2px 5px 2px 5px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.04.57@2x.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"356\" height=\"370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.04.57@2x.jpg 1618w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.04.57@2x-288x300.jpg 288w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.04.57@2x-984x1024.jpg 984w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.04.57@2x-768x799.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/CleanShot-2024-01-03-at-23.04.57@2x-1476x1536.jpg 1476w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 356px) 100vw, 356px\" \/>They are to teach <em>Christ&#8217;s<\/em> commandments, not their own. Vatican I affirmed that &#8220;the Holy Spirit was promised to the successors of Peter not so that they might, by his revelation, make known some new doctrine, but that, by his assistance, they might religiously guard and faithfully expound the revelation or deposit of faith transmitted by the apostles.&#8221;<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_15');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_15');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_15\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[15]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_15\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewtn.com\/catholicism\/teachings\/vatican-is-dogmatic-constitution-pastor-aeternus-on-the-church-of-christ-243\"><em>Pastor aeternus<\/em><\/a>, Ch. 4:6<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_15').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_15', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> And so&#8230;<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span class=\"x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h\" dir=\"auto\" style=\"font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;\"><strong>The pope isn\u2019t an absolute sovereign, whose thoughts and desires are law. On the contrary, the ministry of the pope is the guarantor of the obedience toward Christ and His word.<\/strong> \u2014POPE BENEDICT XVI, Homily of May 8, 2005; <em>San Diego Union-Tribune<\/em><\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Not even popes can &#8220;develop doctrine&#8221; that departs from Sacred Tradition.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_16');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_16');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_16\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[16]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_16\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/the-unfolding-splendour-of-truth\/\"><em>The Unfolding Splendor of Truth<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_16').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_16', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script><\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span class=\"x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u\" dir=\"auto\" lang=\"en\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Any expression of doctrine or practice that is not in conformity with Divine Revelation, contained in the Sacred Scriptures and in the Tradition of the Church, cannot be an authentic exercise of the apostolic or Petrine ministry and must be rejected by the faithful.<\/strong> \u2014Cardinal Raymond Burke, former member of the Apostolic Signatura, the highest judicial authority in the Church beneath the Pope; April 19, 2018; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncronline.org\/vatican\/francis-agrees-his-critics-pope-can-be-wrong\">ncronline.org<\/a><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\">While some argue that no pope has died a heretic (and even the cases cited above of Honorious and John XXII arguably do not provide that <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-50142\" style=\"margin: 1px 2px 1px 2px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/CleanShot-2023-12-19-at-21.29.41@2x.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"389\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/CleanShot-2023-12-19-at-21.29.41@2x.jpg 1232w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/CleanShot-2023-12-19-at-21.29.41@2x-300x256.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/CleanShot-2023-12-19-at-21.29.41@2x-1024x873.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/CleanShot-2023-12-19-at-21.29.41@2x-768x655.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 389px) 100vw, 389px\" \/>evidence<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_17');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_17');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_17\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[17]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_17\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Can-a-Pope-Be-a-Heretic2.pdf\"><em>Can the Pope Be a Heretic?<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_17').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_17', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script>) the issue at hand is not one of heresy but of an apparent tragic failure in logic and pastoral prudence that can, and is, causing scandal. Even though <em>Fiducia supplicans <\/em>says a priest cannot bless the &#8220;union&#8221;, to bless the couple is to, in fact, acknowledge the very thing that makes them a couple \u2014 their sexual union. And so, argue many clergy:<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>&#8230;they can receive the blessing for growth in grace and for the success of their moral efforts and their next steps in the good direction, but not as a <em>couple<\/em> because of the misunderstanding and impossibility of such a blessing.<\/strong> \u2014Bishop Marian Eleganti, December 20, 2023; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifesitenews.com\/news\/bishop-eleganti-explains-in-response-to-new-document-why-homosexual-couples-cannot-be-blessed\/\">lifesitenews.com<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/kath.net\/news\/83366\">kath.net<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\">As such, some argue that <em>Fiducia supplicans <\/em>is not an authentic exercise of the &#8220;true magisterium&#8221; and is, in fact, a danger to it.<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong><em>Fiducia Supplicans <\/em>does not belong to the \u201cauthentic Magisterium\u201d and is therefore not binding because what is affirmed in it is not contained in the written or transmitted word of God and which the Church, the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops, either definitively, that is by solemn judgment, or with ordinary and universal Magisterium, proposes to believe as divinely revealed. One cannot even adhere to it with religious assent of will and intellect.<\/strong> \u2014Theologian Father Nicola Bux, former consulter to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith; January 25th, 2024; <a href=\"https:\/\/edwardpentin.co.uk\/father-bux-fiducia-supplicans-does-not-belong-to-authentic-magisterium-calls-on-cardinal-fernandez-to-resign\/\">edwardpentin.co.uk<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><strong>To put it briefly, the intentional ambiguity of <em>Fiducia supplicans<\/em> opens the door to just about every subversion of marriage demanded by the enemies of the faith, but that same ambiguity means the document is toothless.<\/strong> \u2014Fr. Dwight Longnecker, December 19, 2023; <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dwightlongenecker.com\/a-parish-priest-on-fiducia-supplicans\/\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">dwightlongenecker.com<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">UPDATE: Shortly after publishing this article, the Prefect for the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith issued a <a href=\"https:\/\/zenit.org\/2024\/01\/03\/dicastery-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith-issues-new-clarification-on-blessings-to-gay-and-irregular-couples\/?eti=12936\">press release<\/a> warning Episcopal conferences that &#8220;there is no room to distance ourselves doctrinally from this Declaration or to consider it heretical, contrary to the Tradition of the Church or blasphemous.&#8221; The reason, he cites, is that <em>Fiducia supplicans<\/em> affirms &#8220;the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, not allowing any type of liturgical rite or blessing similar to a liturgical rite that can create confusion.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>However, few if any are disputing these elements of the Declaration, which are indeed harmonious with Sacred Tradition. And priests have always granted blessings to individuals prior to this document. Rather, it is the &#8220;true novelty&#8221; that one can bless the &#8220;couple&#8221;, as FS affirms, while overlooking the intrinsic sexual relationship which makes them a couple in the first place. In other words, this new press release is <em><em>forcing bishops to accept this compromising situation. <\/em><\/em><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">The fact that no one has rejected Pope Francis&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/roman_curia\/congregations\/cfaith\/documents\/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20210222_responsum-dubium-unioni_en.html\"><i>Responsum<\/i><\/a> is the actual clue why <i>Fiducia supplicans<\/i> remains problematic for many bishops&#8230;<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<h5 dir=\"auto\">Our Lady&#8217;s Warning and Presence&#8230;<\/h5>\n<div dir=\"auto\">In a message to Pedro Regis, who enjoys the support of his bishop, Our Lady allegedly says:<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span style=\"font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;\"><strong><em><span lang=\"EN-US\">Contrary winds will move the Great Vessel away from the safe harbor and a great shipwreck will cause the death of many of my poor children. Give me your hands and I will lead you to my Son Jesus. It [the vessel] will go adrift due to the fault of the commander, but the Lord will come to the aid of His people. <\/span><\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countdowntothekingdom.com\/pedro-the-great-vessel-will-go-adrift\/\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">\u2014January 1, 2024<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\">And the message from Our Lady of Akita is now in full view:<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: times new roman, times, serif;\"><span style=\"font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong><em>The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against bishops. The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres\u2026 churches and altars sacked; the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord\u2026 <\/em><\/strong>\u2014to Sr. Agnes Sasagawa of Akita, Japan, October 13th, 1973<\/span> <br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\">While a good portion of the Catholic Church still ignores, if not despises prophecy,<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_18');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_50218_1('footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_18');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_18\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[18]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_18\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">&#8220;Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good&#8230;&#8221; (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_18').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_50218_1_18', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top right', relative: true, offset: [10, 10], });<\/script> I think we should be paying attention \u2014 <em>watch and pray <\/em>(Mark 14:38). At the end of John Paul II&#8217;s Apostolic Exhortation cited above, he points to the Woman battling the dragon, to remind us of both the dangers ahead, and the victory that is assured.<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>The<i> dragon <\/i>is \u201cthe ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world\u201d (<i>Rev<\/i> 12:9). The<i> conflict<\/i> is an uneven one: the dragon seems to prevail, so great is his arrogance before the defenceless and suffering woman&#8230; <i>Continue to contemplate Mary,<\/i> in the knowledge that she is \u201cmaternally present and sharing in the many complicated problems which today beset the lives of individuals, families, and nations\u201d and is \u201chelping the Christian people in the constant struggle between good and evil, to ensure that it &#8216;does not fall&#8217;, or, if it has fallen, that it &#8216;rises again&#8217;.&#8221;<\/strong> \u2014<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/content\/john-paul-ii\/en\/apost_exhortations\/documents\/hf_jp-ii_exh_20030628_ecclesia-in-europa.html\">Ecclesia in Europa<\/a><\/em>, n. 124, June 28, 2003<\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h5>\u00a0<\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">Children, let no one deceive you.<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">The person who acts in righteousness is righteous,<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">just as he is righteous.<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">Whoever sins belongs to the Devil,<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">because the Devil has sinned from the beginning.<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">Indeed, the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil&#8230;<br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">In this way,<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">the children of God and the children of the Devil are made plain;<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">no one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God,<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>nor anyone who does not love his brother.<\/strong> <\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\">(Today&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/bible.usccb.org\/bible\/readings\/010424.cfm\">First Mass Reading<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n<h5>Related Reading<\/h5>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: trebuchet ms, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/the-anti-mercy\/\">The Anti-Mercy<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;\">Another year&#8230; thank you for your<br \/>\nprayers and support<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/donations\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Donateovalbtnonbeige.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"112\" height=\"48\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/the-final-confrontation-the-book\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-12567\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/TheFinalConfrontationBook-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"244\u201d height=\u201c324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/TheFinalConfrontationBook-1.png 400w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/TheFinalConfrontationBook-1-226x300.png 226w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">with <em>Nihil Obstat<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\">To journey with Mark in\u00a0<strong><em>The <\/em><\/strong><em><strong>Now Word<\/strong><\/em>,<em><br \/>\n<\/em>click on the banner below to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/subscribe\/\">subscribe<\/a>. <br \/>\nYour email will not be shared with anyone.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/subscribe\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-25916\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/now-word-banner.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"469\" height=\"153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/now-word-banner.jpeg 850w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/now-word-banner-300x98.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/now-word-banner-768x250.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;\">Now on Telegram. Click:<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/thenowword\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-46727\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Telegram-.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"55\" height=\"56\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Telegram-.png 500w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Telegram--300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Telegram--150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 55px) 100vw, 55px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Follow Mark and the daily &#8220;signs of the times&#8221; on MeWe:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mewe.com\/group\/6001b664d73c61322e27a39c\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-44298\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"584\" height=\"242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-300x124.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-1024x424.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-768x318.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-1536x636.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Signs-Banner22-640x265.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nFollow Mark\u2019s writings here:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mewe.com\/p\/thenowword\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-48548\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"584\" height=\"197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update.jpg 1880w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update-300x101.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update-1024x345.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update-768x259.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MeWe-Pages-Banner-Update-1536x518.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Listen on the following:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thenoword.buzzsprout.com\"><br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/thenoword.buzzsprout.com\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/buzzsprout3-cutout.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"165\" height=\"43\" \/><\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-now-word\/id1519573192?uo=4\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/apple-podcasts2-cutout.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"162\" height=\"42\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/6sXnpNwaMtd5ja4MyA1YgX\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-43899\" src=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"164\" height=\"42\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts.png 740w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts-300x77.png 300w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts-640x163.png 640w, https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/spotifyPodcasts-720x189.png 720w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 164px) 100vw, 164px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"f6hij\" data-offset-key=\"7ormq-0-0\">\n<div class=\"_1mf _1mj\" data-offset-key=\"7ormq-0-0\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"simple-translate\" class=\"simple-translate-system-theme\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"simple-translate-button isShow\" style=\"background-image: url('moz-extension:\/\/1aebc612-ca54-485f-9522-8eb14532b47e\/icons\/512.png'); height: 22px; width: 22px; top: 5313px; left: 583px;\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"simple-translate-panel \" style=\"width: 300px; height: 200px; top: 0px; left: 0px; font-size: 13px;\">\n<div class=\"simple-translate-result-wrapper\" style=\"overflow: hidden;\">\n<div class=\"simple-translate-move\" draggable=\"true\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"simple-translate-result-contents\">\n<p class=\"simple-translate-result\" dir=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"simple-translate-candidate\" dir=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"speaker-mute footnotes_reference_container\"> <div class=\"footnote_container_prepare\"><p><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_label pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_50218_1();\"><h5>Footnotes<\/h5><\/span><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button\" style=\"display: none;\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_50218_1();\">[<a id=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_50218_1\">+<\/a>]<\/span><\/p><\/div> <div id=\"footnote_references_container_50218_1\" style=\"\"><table class=\"footnotes_table footnote-reference-container\"><caption class=\"accessibility\"><h5>Footnotes<\/h5><\/caption> <tbody> \r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_1');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>1<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Jan 4, 2024, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/zenit.org\/2024\/01\/03\/dicastery-for-the-doctrine-of-the-faith-issues-new-clarification-on-blessings-to-gay-and-irregular-couples\/?eti=12936\">Zenit<\/a><\/em><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_2\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_2');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>2<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/press.vatican.va\/content\/salastampa\/it\/bollettino\/pubblico\/2023\/12\/18\/0901\/01963.html#en\">Fiducia supplicans<\/a><\/em>, On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings Presentation<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_3\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_3');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>3<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstthings.com\/web-exclusives\/2023\/12\/the-cost-of-making-a-mess\">Emeritus Archbishop Charles Chaput<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_4\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_4');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>4<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecatholicthing.org\/2023\/12\/19\/gods-blessings-and-magisterial-teaching\/\">Fr. Thomas Weinandy<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_5\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_5');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>5<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0OEMgb_0ams\">Bishop Athanasius Scheider<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_6\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_6');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>6<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cccb.ca\/announcement\/statement-of-cccb-on-vaticans-document-addressing-pastoral-blessings\/\">cccb.ca<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_7\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_7');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>7<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">eg. Peruvian Bishop bans same-sex blessings; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifesitenews.com\/news\/peruvian-bishop-bans-same-sex-blessings-says-fiducia-supplicans-harms-the-communion-of-the-church\/\">lifesitenews.com<\/a>; Spanish priests launch petition to have FS annulled; <a href=\"https:\/\/infovaticana-com.translate.goog\/2024\/01\/03\/sacerdotes-espanoles-lanzan-una-campana-de-recogida-de-firmas-pidiendo-al-papa-que-anule-fiducia-supplicans\/?_x_tr_sl=es&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=en&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp\">infovaticana-com<\/a>; German priests reject FS as contradictory, cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifesitenews.com\/news\/faithful-german-priests-pope-francis-blessings\/\">lifesitenews.com<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_8\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_8');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>8<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/catholicherald.co.uk\/ukrainian-greek-catholic-church-announces-fiducia-supplicans-has-no-legal-force-for-its-followers\/\">catholicherald.co.uk<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_9\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_9');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>9<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Popes have made and make mistakes and this is no surprise. Infallibility is reserved\u00a0<em>ex cathedra<\/em>\u00a0[\u201cfrom the seat\u201d of Peter, that is, proclamations of dogma based on Sacred Tradition]. No popes in the history of the Church have ever made\u00a0<em>ex cathedra<\/em>\u00a0errors.\u00a0\u2014Rev. Joseph Iannuzzi, theologian and patristics expert<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_10\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_10');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>10<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Bishop Athanasius Schneider, <a href=\"https:\/\/onepeterfive.com\/bishop-athanasisus-schneider-on-the-question-of-a-heretical-pope\/\">onepeterfive.com<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_11\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_11');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>11<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Rev. Joseph Iannuzzi, STL, S. Th.D., Newsletter, Fall 2021; cf. <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/there-is-only-one-barque\/\">There is Only One Barque<\/a><\/em><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_12\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_12');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>12<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">not schism, but obviously a separation from that which is not in accord with Sacred Tradition<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_13\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_13');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>13<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Can-a-Pope-Be-a-Heretic2.pdf\"><em>Can the Pope Be a Heretic?<\/em><\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_14\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_14');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>14<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countdowntothekingdom.com\/what-is-the-true-magisterium\/\"><em>What is the &#8220;True Magisterium&#8221;<\/em><\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_15\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_15');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>15<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewtn.com\/catholicism\/teachings\/vatican-is-dogmatic-constitution-pastor-aeternus-on-the-church-of-christ-243\"><em>Pastor aeternus<\/em><\/a>, Ch. 4:6<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_16\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_16');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>16<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/the-unfolding-splendour-of-truth\/\"><em>The Unfolding Splendor of Truth<\/em><\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_17\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_17');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>17<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.markmallett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Can-a-Pope-Be-a-Heretic2.pdf\"><em>Can the Pope Be a Heretic?<\/em><\/a><\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_50218_1_18\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_50218_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_50218_1_18');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>18<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">&#8220;Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; 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