Today the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei,” a key component of the on-going discussions between the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X, released this brief statement:
On 17 April, as requested during the 16 March meeting held at the offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Commission received the response of Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior general of the Society of St. Pius X. The text of the response will be examined by the dicastery then submitted to the Holy Father for his judgement.
Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, head of the Vatican Press Office, told reporters that SSPX superior Bishop Bernard Fellay has asked the Vatican for certain changes to the text of the Doctrinal Preamble, which was presented to the SSPX last fall by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Lombardi said the requested changes “must be examined” and then approved by Pope Benedict XVI.
From CNS’ report on Lombardi’s remarks:
The society’s response will be examined quickly and given to pope, probably within “a few weeks,” he said.
“We cannot consider the matter concluded,” Father Lombardi said, but “we can say it is a step forward and more encouraging” than Bishop Fellay’s previous response.
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