Aboard the papal plane, Mar 8, 2021 / 03:00 pm (CNA).- Please read below for CNA’s full transcript of Pope Francis’ in-flight press conference from Baghdad, Iraq, to Rome, Italy on March 8, 2021.
Pope Francis: First of all, thank you for your work, your company, your fatigue. Then, today is Women’s Day. Congratulations to the women. Women’s Day. But they were saying why is there no Men’s Day? Even when [I was] in the meeting with the wife of the president. I said it was because us men are always celebrated and we want to celebrate women. And the wife of the president spoke well about women, she told me lovely things today, about that strength that women have to carry forward life, history, the family, many things. Congratulations to everyone. And third, today is the birthday of the COPE journalist. Or the other day. Where are you?
Matteo Bruni, Holy See press office director: It was yesterday.
Pope Francis: Best wishes and we should celebrate it, right? We will see how we can [do it] here. Very well. Now, the word is yours.
Bruni: The first question comes from the Arabic world: Imad Atrach of Sky News Arabia.
Imad Abdul Karim Atrach (Sky News Arabia): Holiness, two years ago in Abu Dhabi there was the meeting with the Imam al-Tayyeb of al-Azhar and the signing of the document on human fraternity. Three days ago you met with al-Sistani. Are you thinking to something similar with the Shiite side of Islam? And then a second thing about Lebanon, which St. John Paul II said is more than a country, it is a message. This message, unfortunately, as a Lebanese, I tell you that this message is now disappearing. Can we think a future visit by you to Lebanon is imminent?
Pope Francis: The Abu Dhabi document of February 4 was prepared with the grand imam in secret during six months, praying, reflecting, correcting the text. It was, I will say, a little assuming but take it as a presumption, a first step of what you ask me about.
Let’s say that this [Ed. meeting with al-Sistani] would be the second [step] and there will be others. It is important, the journey of fraternity. Then, the two documents. The Abu Dhabi one created a concern for fraternity in me, Fratelli tutti came out, which has given a lot. We must… both documents must be studied because they go in the same direction, they are seeking fraternity.
Ayatollah al-Sistani has a phrase which I expect to remember well. Every man… men are either brothers for religion or equals for creation. And fraternity is equality, but beneath equality we cannot go. I believe it is also a cultural path.
We Christians think about the Thirty Years’ War. The night of St. Bartholomew [Ed. St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre], to give an example. Think about this. How the mentality has changed among us, because our faith makes us discover that this is it: the revelation of Jesus is love, charity, and it leads us to this. But how many centuries [will it take] to implement it? This is an important thing, human fraternity. That as men we are all brothers and we must move forward with other religions.
The [Second] Vatican Council took a big step forward in [interreligious dialogue], also the later constitution, the council for Christian unity, and the council for religious dialogue — Cardinal Ayuso accompanies us today — and you are human, you are a child of God and you are my brother, period. This would be the biggest indication. And many times you have to take risks to take this step. You know that there are some critics who [say] “the pope is not courageous, he is an idiot who is taking steps against Catholic doctrine, which is a heretical step.” There are risks. But these decisions are always made in prayer, in dialogue, asking for advice, in reflection. They are not a whim and they are also the line that the [Second Vatican] Council has taught us. This is his first question.
The second: Lebanon is a message. Lebanon is suffering. Lebanon is more than a balance. It has the weakness of the diversity which some are still not reconciled to, but it has the strength of the great people reconciled like the fortress of the cedars. Patriarch Rai asked me to please make a stop in Beirut on this trip, but it seemed somewhat too little to me: A crumb in front of a problem in a country that suffers like Lebanon. I wrote a letter and promised to make a trip to Lebanon. But Lebanon at the moment is in crisis, but in crisis — I do not want to offend — but in a crisis of life. Lebanon is so generous in welcoming refugees. This is a second trip.
Bruni: Thank you, Your Holiness. The second question comes from Johannes Neudecker of the German news agency Dpa.
Johannes Neudecker (Deutsche Presse-Agentur): Thank you, Holy Father. My question is also about the meeting with al-Sistani. In what measure was the meeting with al-Sistani also a message to the religious leaders of Iran?
Pope Francis: I believe it was a universal message. I felt the duty of this pilgrimage of faith and penance to go and find a great man, a wise man, a man of God. And just listening to him you perceived this. And speaking of messages, I will say: It is a message for everyone, it is a message for everyone. And he is a person who has that wisdom and also prudence… he told me that for 10 years, “I do not receive people who come to visit me with also other political or cultural aims, no… only for religious [purposes].” And he was very respectful, very respectful in the meeting. I felt very honored; he never gets up even to greet people. He got up to greet me twice. A humble and wise man. This meeting did my soul good. He is a light. These wisemen are everywhere because God’s wisdom has been spread all over the world.
It also happens the same with the saints, who are not only those who are on the altars, they are the everyday saints, the ones I call “next-door saints.” Men and women who live their faith, whatever it may be, with coherence. Who live human values with coherence, fraternity with coherence. I believe that we should discover these people, highlight them, because there are so many examples. When there are scandals in the Church, many, this does not help, but we show the people seeking the path of fraternity. The saints next door. And we will find the people of our family, for sure. For sure a few grandpas, a few grandmas.
Eva Fernandez (Radio COPE): Holy Father, it is great to resume the press conferences again. It is very good. My apologies, but my colleagues have asked me to ask this question in Spanish.
[In Spanish] During these days your trip to Iraq has had a great impact throughout the world. Do you think that this could be the trip of your pontificate? And also, it has been said that it was the most dangerous. Have you been afraid at some point during this trip? And soon we will return to travel and you, who are about to complete the eighth year of your pontificate, do you still think it will be a short [pontificate]? And the big question always for the Holy Father, will you ever return to Argentina? Will Spain still have hope that one day the pope will visit?
Pope Francis: Thank you, Eva, and I made you celebrate your birthday twice — once in advance and another belated.
I start with the last question, which is a question that I understand. It is because of that book by my friend, the journalist and doctor, Nelson Castro. He wrote a book on [the history of] presidents’ illnesses, and I once told him, already in Rome, “But you have to do one on the diseases of the popes because it will be interesting to know the health issues of the popes — at least of some who are more recent.”
He started [writing] again, and he interviewed me. The book came out. They tell me it is good, but I have not seen it. But he asked me a question: “If you resign” — well, if I will die or if I will resign — “If you resign, will you return to Argentina or will you stay here?”
I said: “I will not go back to Argentina.” This is what I have said, but I will stay here in my diocese. But in that case, this goes together with the question: When will I visit Argentina? And why have I not gone there? I always answer a little ironically: “I spent 76 years in Argentina, that’s enough, isn’t it?”
But there is one thing. I do not know why, but it has not been said. A trip to Argentina was planned for November 2017 and work began. It was Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. This was at the end of November. But then at that time there was an election campaign happening in Chile because on that day in December the successor of Michelle Bachelet was elected. I had to go before the government changed, I could not go [further].
So let us do this: Go to Chile in January. And then in January it was not possible to go to Argentina and Uruguay because January is like our August here, it is July and August in both countries. Thinking about it, the suggestion was made: Why not include Peru, because Peru was bypassed during the trip to Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, and remained apart. And from this was born the January trip between Chile and Peru.
But this is what I want to say so that you do not create fantasies of “patriaphobia.” When there are opportunities, it must be done, right? Because there is Argentina and Uruguay and the south of Brazil, which are a very great cultural composition.
About my travels: I make a decision about my trips by listening. The invitations are many. I listen to the advice of the counselors and also to the people. Sometimes someone comes and says: What do you think? Should I go or not? And it is good for me to listen. And this helps me to make the decision later.
I listen to the counselors and in the end I pray. I pray and I think a lot. I have reflected a lot about some trips, and then the decision comes from within. It is almost spontaneous, but like a ripe fruit. It is a long way, isn’t it? Some are more difficult, some are easier, and the decision about this trip comes early.
The first invitation of the ambassador, first, that pediatrician doctor who was the ambassador of Iraq, very good. She persisted. And then came the ambassador to Italy who is a woman of battle. Then the new ambassador to the Vatican came and fought. Soon the president came. All these things stayed with me.
But there is one thing behind my decision that I would like to mention. One of you gave me a Spanish edition [of the book] “The Last Girl.” I have read it in Italian, then I gave it to Elisabetta Piqué to read. Did you read it? More or less it is the story of the Yazidis. And Nadia Murad tells about terrifying things. I recommend that you read it. In some places it may seem heavy, but for me this was the trasfondo of God, the underlying reason for my decision. That book worked inside me. And also when I listened to Nadia who came to tell me terrible things. Then, with the book… All these things together made the decision; thinking about all the many issues. But finally the decision came and I took it.
And, about the eighth year of my pontificate. Should I do this? [He crosses his fingers.] I do not know if my travel will slow down or not. I only confess that on this trip I felt much more tired than on the others. The 84 [years] do not come alone, it is a consequence. But we will see.
Now I will have to go to Hungary for the final Mass of the Eucharistic Congress, not a visit to the country, but just for the Mass. But Budapest is a two-hour drive from Bratislava, why not make a visit to Slovakia? I do not know. That is how they are thinking. Excuse me. Thank you.
Bruni: Thank you, Eva. Now the next question is from Chico Harlan of the Washington Post.
Chico Harlan (Washington Post): Thank you, Holy Father. I will ask my question in English with the help of Matteo. [In English] This trip obviously had extraordinary meaning for the people who got to see you, but it did also lead to events that caused conditions conducive to spreading the virus. In particular, unvaccinated people packed together singing. So as you weigh the trip, the thought that went into it and what it will mean, do you worry that the people who came to see you could also get sick or even die. Can you explain that reflection and calculation. Thank you.
Pope Francis: As I said recently, the trips are cooked over time in my conscience. And this is one of the [thoughts] that came to me most, “maybe, maybe.” I thought a lot, I prayed a lot about this. And in the end I freely made the decision. But that came from within. I said: “The one who allows me to decide this way will look after the people.” And so I made the decision like this but after prayer and after awareness of the risks, after all.
Bruni: The next question comes from Philippine de Saint-Pierre of the French press.
Philippine de Saint-Pierre (KTO): Your Holiness, we have seen the courage and dynamism of Iraqi Christians. We have also seen the challenges they face: the threat of Islamist violence, the exodus of Christians, and the witnesss of the faith in their environment. These are the challenges facing Christians through the region. We spoke about Lebanon, but also Syria, the Holy Land, etc. The synod for the Middle East took place 10 years ago but its development was interrupted with the attack on the Baghdad cathedral. Are you thinking about organizing something for the entire Middle East, be it a regional synod or any other initiative?
Pope Francis: I’m not thinking about a synod. Initiatives, yes — I am open to many. But a synod never came to mind. You planted the first seed, let’s see what will happen. The life of Christians in Iraq is an afflicted life, but not only for Christians. I came to talk about Yazidis and other religions that did not submit to the power of Daesh. And this, I don’t know why, gave them a very great strength. But there is a problem, like you said, with emigration. Yesterday, as we drove from Qaraqosh to Erbil, there were lots of young people and the age level was low, low, low. Lots of young people. And the question someone asked me: But these young people, what is their future? Where will they go? Many will have to leave the country, many. Before leaving for the trip the other day, on Friday, 12 Iraqi refugees came to say goodbye to me. One had a prosthetic leg because he had escaped under a truck and had an accident… so many escaped. Migration is a double right. The right to not emigrate and the right to emigrate. But these people do not have either of the two. Because they cannot not emigrate, they do not know how to do it. And they cannot emigrate because the world squashes the consciousness that migration is a human right.
The other day — I’ll go back to the migration question — an Italian sociologist told me, speaking about the demographic winter in Italy: “But within 40 years we will have to import foreigners to work and pay pension taxes.” You French are smarter, you have advanced 10 years with the family support law and your level of growth is very large.
But immigration is experienced as an invasion. Because he asked, yesterday I wanted to receive Alan Kurdi’s father after Mass. This child is a symbol for them. Alan Kurdi is a symbol, for which I gave a sculpture to FAO [the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations]. It is a symbol that goes beyond a child who died in migration. He is a symbol of dying civilizations, which cannot survive. A symbol of humanity. Urgent measures are needed so that people have work in their place and do not have to emigrate. And also measures to safeguard the right to emigrate. It is true that every country must study well the ability to receive [immigrants], because it is not only about receiving them and leaving them on the beach. Receive them, accompany them, help them progress, and integrate them. The integration of immigrants is key.
Two anecdotes: Zaventem, in Belgium: the terrorists were Belgians, born in Belgium, but from ghettoized, non-integrated Islamic immigrants. Another example: when I went to Sweden, during the farewell ceremony, there was the minister, of what I don’t know, [Ed. Alice Bah-Kuhnke, Swedish Minister of Culture and Democracy from 2014 to 2019], she was very young, and she had a distinctive appearance, not typical of Swedes. She was the daughter of a migrant and a Swede, and so well integrated that she became minister [of culture]. Looking at these two things, they make you think a lot, a lot, a lot.
I would like to thank the generous countries. The countries that receive migrants, Lebanon. Lebanon was generous with emigrants. There are two million Syrians there, I think. And Jordan — unfortunately, we will not pass over Jordan because the king is very nice, King Abdullah wanted to pay us a tribute with the planes in passage. I will thank him now — Jordan has been very generous [with] more than one and a half million migrants, also many other countries… to name just two. Thank you to these generous countries. Thank you very much.
Matteo Bruni: The next question is in Italian from the journalist Stefania Falasca.
Stefania Falasca (Avvenire): Good morning, Holy Father. Thank you. In three days in this country, which is a key country of the Middle East, you have done what the powerful of the earth have been discussing for 30 years. You have already explained what was the interesting genesis of your travels, how the choices for your travels originate, but now in this juncture, can you also consider a trip to Syria? What could be the objectives from now to a year from now of other places where your presence is required?
Pope Francis: Thank you. In the Middle East only the hypothesis, and also the promise is for Lebanon. I have not thought about a trip to Syria. I have not thought about it because the inspiration did not come to me. But I am so close to the tormented and beloved Syria, as I call it. I remember from the beginning of my pontificate that afternoon of prayer in St. Peter’s Square. There was the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. And how many Muslims with carpets on the ground were praying with us for peace in Syria, to stop the bombing, at that moment when it was said that there would be a fierce bombing. I carry Syria in my heart, but thinking about a trip, it has not occurred to me at this moment. Thank you.
Matteo Bruni: Thank you. The next question comes from Sylwia Wysocka of the Polish press.
Sylwia Wysocka (Polish Press Agency): Holy Father, in these very difficult 12 months your activity has been very limited. Yesterday you had the first direct and very close contact with the people in Qaraqosh: What did you feel? And then, in your opinion, now, with the current health system, can the general audiences with people, with faithful, recommence as before?
Pope Francis: I feel different when I am away from the people in the audiences. I would like to restart the general audiences again as soon as possible. Hopefully the conditions will be right. I will follow the norms of the authorities in this. They are in charge and they have the grace of God to help us in this. They are responsible for setting the rules, whether we like them or not. They are responsible and they have to be so.
Now I have started again with the Angelus in the square, with the distances it can be done. There is the proposal of small general audiences, but I have not decided until the development of the situation becomes clear. After these months of imprisonment, I really felt a bit imprisoned, this is, for me, living again.
Living again because it is touching the Church, touching the holy people of God, touching all peoples. A priest becomes a priest to serve, to serve the people of God, not for careerism, right? Not for the money.
This morning in the Mass there was [the Scripture reading about] the healing of Naaman the Syrian and it said that Naaman wanted to give gifts after he had been healed. But he refused… but the prophet Elisha refused them. And the Bible continues: the prophet Elisha’s assistant, when they had left, settled the prophet well and running he followed Naaman and asked for gifts for him. And God said, “the leprosy that Naaman had will cling to you.” I am afraid that we, men and women of the Church, especially we priests, do not have this gratuitous closeness to the people of God which is what saves us.
And to be like Naaman’s servant, to help, but then going back [for the gifts.] I am afraid of that leprosy. And the only one who saves us from the leprosy of greed, of pride, is the holy people of God, like what God spoke about with David, “I have taken you out of the flock, do not forget the flock.” That of which Paul spoke to Timothy: “Remember your mother and grandmother who nursed you in the faith.” Do not lose your belonging to the people of God to become a privileged caste of consecrated, clerics, anything.
This is why contact with the people saves us, helps us. We give the Eucharist, preaching, our function to the people of God, but they give us belonging. Let us not forget this belonging to the people of God. Then begin again like this.
I met in Iraq, in Qaraqosh… I did not imagine the ruins of Mosul, I did not imagine. Really. Yes, I may have seen things, I may have read the book, but this touches, it is touching.
What touched me the most was the testimony of a mother in Qaraqosh. A priest who truly knows poverty, service, penance; and a woman who lost her son in the first bombings by ISIS gave her testimony. She said one word: forgiveness. I was moved. A mother who says: I forgive, I ask forgiveness for them.
I was reminded of my trip to Colombia, of that meeting in Villavicencio where so many people, women above all, mothers and brides, spoke about their experience of the murder of their children and husbands. They said, “I forgive, I forgive.” But this word we have lost. We know how to insult big time. We know how to condemn in a big way. Me first, we know it well. But to forgive, to forgive one’s enemies. This is the pure Gospel. This is what touched me the most in Qaraqosh.
Matteo Bruni: There are other questions if you want. Otherwise we can…
Pope Francis: How long has it been?
Bruni: Almost an hour.
Pope Francis: We have been talking for almost an hour. I don’t know, I would continue, [joking] but the car… [is waiting for me.] Let’s do, how do you say, the last one before celebrating the birthday.
Matteo Bruni: The last is by Catherine Marciano from the French press, from the Agence France-Presse.
Catherine Marciano (AFP): Your Holiness, I wanted to know what you felt in the helicopter seeing the destroyed city of Mosul and praying on the ruins of a church. Since it is Women’s Day, I would like to ask a little question about women… You have supported the women in Qaraqosh with very nice words, but what do you think about the fact that a Muslim woman in love cannot marry a Christian without being discarded by her family or even worse. But the first question was about Mosul. Thank you, Your Holiness.
Pope Francis: I said what I felt in Mosul a little bit en passant. When I stopped in front of the destroyed church, I had no words, I had no words… beyond belief, beyond belief. Not just the church, even the other destroyed churches. Even a destroyed mosque, you can see that [the perpetrators] did not agree with the people. Not to believe our human cruelty, no. At this moment I do not want to say the word, “it begins again,” but let’s look at Africa. With our experience of Mosul, and these people who destroy everything, enmity is created and the so-called Islamic State begins to act. This is a bad thing, very bad, and before moving on to the other question — A question that came to my mind in the church was this: “But who sells weapons to these destroyers? Because they do not make weapons at home. Yes, they will make some bombs, but who sells the weapons, who is responsible? I would at least ask that those who sell the weapons have the sincerity to say: we sell weapons. They don’t say it. It’s ugly.
Women… women are braver than men. But even today women are humiliated. Let’s go to the extreme: one of you showed me the list of prices for women. [Ed. prepared by ISIS for selling Christian and Yazidi women.] I couldn’t believe it: if the woman is like this, she costs this much… to sell her… Women are sold, women are enslaved. Even in the center of Rome, the work against trafficking is an everyday job.
During the Jubilee, I went to visit one of the many houses of the Opera Don Benzi: Ransomed girls, one with her ear cut off because she had not brought the right money that day, and the other brought from Bratislava in the trunk of a car, a slave, kidnapped. This happens among us, the educated. Human trafficking. In these countries, some, especially in parts of Africa, there is mutilation as a ritual that must be done. Women are still slaves, and we have to fight, struggle, for the dignity of women. They are the ones who carry history forward. This is not an exaggeration: Women carry history forward and it’s not a compliment because today is Women’s Day. Even slavery is like this, the rejection of women… Just think, there are places where there is the debate regarding whether repudiation of a wife should be given in writing or only orally. Not even the right to have the act of repudiation! This is happening today, but to keep us from straying, think of what happens in the center of Rome, of the girls who are kidnapped and are exploited. I think I have said everything about this. I wish you a good end to your trip and I ask you to pray for me, I need it. Thank you.
[…]
It is disgusting beyond belief that a man of Father’s stature has been asked to resign. Every person reading this should contact the USCCB and register a vigorous protest. What happened to “parrhesia”? Hypocrites of the highest order.
Disgusting yes, but really par for the course with this Pontificate and the dictatorship that has cowered the clergy.
It was something to be expected from the status quo in the Church.
This confirms that the Lord is not happy with the Pope nor with the current state of affairs.
Here is perhaps a more effective answer to the USCCB outrage noted here. I have decided to sever all financial connections to the USCCB, including any entities associated with it like Catholic Charities. For example, this year I redirected my charitable contributions to untainted sources like Food for the Poor instead of Catholic Charities (which lately seems to act like a subsidiary of the Democrat National Committee). I carefully inspect all parish envelopes for any evidence of USCCB connections. If one is found, I simply tear up the envelope and direct that money elsewhere. If the national organization representing our Catholic bishops insists on acting like a cohort of leftist political hacks, we should treat them as such.
The problem is Jack, that the USCCB now receives so many millions of federal dollars for resettling illegal aliens, they no longer have to rely on the laity for funding. They have become a thoroughly corrupt NGO.
What this man, Jack Gordon, said!
The power of the laity is the power of the pocketbook.
Bishops pay close attention to reasons they don’t get money.
We owe them a written explanation for depriving them of it.
Suggestion:
Copy Mr Gordon’s posting and edit to suit, before sending it to your bishop.
I’m sending my money to Aid to the Church in Need; and supporting my local Anglican Ordinariate parish, where I get refreshingly reverent, ad orientem liturgy; and orthodox, intellectually challenging preaching.
You are one blessed man to be in such a parish.
We also attend the Personal Ordinariate of the chair of St Peter here in Houston. It’s been a year now, after 70 faithful years to the regular American Catholic parish, which we still attend during the week, but never on Sunday since the Ordinariate is further from our home. BUT IT IS WORTH IT! They are EX ANGLICANS,and not called the Anglicans’ Ordinariate like you refer to it. There is a very big difference in these names, hope you make the correction; given with the best intention
Annoyingly, this format does not admit corrections. I take on board what you say.
It is more helpful of course to say we are “Ordinariate Catholics” however we were originally “founded” as Roman Catholic Anglican Ordinariate; and this gave people a clue as to what our cultural patrimony is, and where we came from. It was pioneered or course by about three decades of the “Pastoral Provision” and “Anglican Use”.
In the UK, because of the bitter association of Irish Catholics with anything “anglican”, –we just call it the Ordinariate.
I don’t know what the connotations of our name has with cultural undercurrents in Australia, where I think there is more outspoken cultural anti-Catholicism.
–Any Ordinariate Australians out there to comment?
And I thought I was the only one to do such things…
Good decision. I hope far more US Catholics follow suit.
please contact me here want to have a conversation with you.
smith_joseph35@yahoo.com
Thank you Fr, for your humble and great spirit. You have done a great service to the universal Church. Thank you very much. Know that I will offer a mass for you. Yes, Jesus has allowed this so that the darkness of unbelief of the higher clergy be made known. Thank you for this.
It’s even more disgusting when you consider the numerous liberals who work for the USCCB, at least some of whom advocate for abortion and in the past advocated for embryonic stem cell research and various Democratic candidates who fought for the same. The USCCB is long overdue for a housecleaning. I hope Fr Weinandy’s sacking prompts an uproar that leads to exactly that.
What an amazing miraculous sign that compelled and confirmed his innermost fears and yearning- to correct the uncorrectable! I’m sure that God Himself must have inspired him to make such a specific and almost impossible request. What an amazing fulfilment in the most unlikely way of all that he had asked. Fr Weinandy: a man given a Mission. He will be at peace regarding the consequences then.
Jesus said in a message in the Book of Truth that priests will end up leading the remnant army, although laity will initially form it. This was his (Fr. Weinandy’s) first commission. And now he will lead from the obscurity of wherever he can.
I think this is an example of the Pharisaical religious leaders rejecting the good, the courageous and the Truthful who speak God’s Word. He is even cast out into the wilderness! But followers he will have, and they will be led to Christ.
I have contacted them and voiced my opposition to their action against Fr. Weinandy politely.
Here’s how you can support him:
https://lifepetitions.com/petition/show-your-support-for-fr-thomas-weinandy
This man is right and the letter too…but pope is man and acting so and there can not be acting right even as a pope. So pope is right too to walk to the wrong path and that makes him a pope same as Paul who was anti Christ. So the Christ comes after this pope…who is not pro Christ of course…and that is his role to be Paul again…as in time of the Christ who is the word…or the voice. That means Jesus…who comes from word Zeus..which means the voice
This saintly man has done a great service to the Church. His criticism is respectful and tempered. If resigning from the USCCB is to be the way to improve the Church, far more resignations are warranted. Oddly, in the defense of a papacy that is supposed to be so open to the margins, to dialogue, and to “creating a mess,” this great theologian is dismissed for speaking his concerns for the Church. Is that not hypocritical? I pray that you “overseers” find your voice. “What good would it be to gain the whole world, but lose your own soul?” Tell me how Fr Weinandy is wrong. There are very good reasons that Pope Benedict spoke of a “tyranny” of Relativism. Sadly, here it is in the Church.
Fr. Weinandy is on a journey, as we all are. But he does not yet see the pastoral significance of the approach taken by Francis to restore the Gospel that Jesus preached. Where a norm of law — a doctrine — falls short of the demands of love, should not mercy restore love’s priority?
It might also be said that Jesus was “ambiguous” in telling the story of the Good Samaritan. Were his hearers supposed to set aside the law of Moses, as the Samaritans had done? This is the wrong question. It is better to see not ambiguity but rather a disorientation intended to lead the willing heart to metanoia.
The ambiguity over “Amoris Laetitia” comes from asking a question about the clarity of law rather than the love of Christ. This state of ambiguity is part of a journey whose integrity Francis honors, and in this respect Francis models the same Jesus who seeks metanoia in all of us.
Fr. Weinandy asks about “authentic Catholic teaching”. What is “authentic” about pursuing doctrinal points to such an extent that the doctrine loses sight of the great commandments which are the very source of the doctrine?
We need the virtues of patience, kindness and love in dialoguing about these important questions that Pope Francis is addressing. It is good that Francis is not answering directly the letters which reflect disorientation. Let the Spirit do its work. Pray, and be Christ to one another. We will work this through.
The pope cannot answer the dubia I think because his opinion is contrary to historic Church teaching.
Amen
I hope you don’t actually believe any of that syrupy baloney.
Vincent, I wish I could upvote your comment!
Clyde, I wish I could upvote your comment!
I think Fr. Thomas has done his job to express his ideas freely. And having tabled his resignation he ought to be respected and the church do its needful
Thank God everyone is not blindly jumping on Fr Weinandy’s bandwagon which to me,appears to be cleverly worded to appear as a humble submission by a victim of a despotic pope does not really reflect a truly humble acceptance of the dignity and grace bestowed on the Petrine office by Jesus himself. Am also bewilderd that a seemingly spiritually mature person like Fr W could dictate to almigty God the exact nature of a “sign” that ought to be given the former!
Ben – I am certainly not jumping on the bandwagon. People forget that pride is very insidious, and I don’t care who someone is, anyone can fall victim to it.
“People forget that pride is very insidious, and I don’t care who someone is, anyone can fall victim to it.”
But Father Weinandy did NOT fall victim to the deadly sin of pride by writing this letter or by making it public.
Two examples (from opposite ends of the “Catholic” fringe) of people who DID, indeed, fall victim to the deadly sin of pride are: Marcel Lefebvre and Father James Martin, SJ.
I agree Ben. Father Weinandy’s letter is extremely cleverly worded. My profession is one that involves interviewing and obtaining witness statements on a regular basis. Often these witness statements are quite contradictory. After corroborating different witness accounts, it is often quite revealing to reflect upon what’s NOT being said (omitted), as well as what is being said.
This was the part that bothered me. I would like some signs about serious matters in my life too, but would I dare to dictate to God what that sign has to be? Is that some privilege of priests? Isn’t waiting and looking for the sign part of discerning faith versus ego desires?
I suggest you read Fr Weinandy’s letter again because all the points you raised were already answered in the letter.
There is no truth without love. This is why Jesus called the devil the father of lies while referring to Himself as the Truth.
Well said, my friend; and after scrolling down the column of comments, you read like a ‘voice shouting in the wilderness’. Pope Francis has not altered doctrine, nor will he. He has called the Church to a depth of love/mercy that had been conspicuously lacking- and that was the true violence done to the Gospel that this great and compassionate Pope seeks to remedy. As for ambiguity, I was (sadly) amused at the consistent tone in Fr Weinandy’s letter- lots of moral hand-wringing and no examples, much talk of doctrinal aberration and no examples, major name calling and no names. Clearly a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Again, thanks you for the clarity of your insight- a voice for a multitude with no voice and a true friend of God.
It is foolish sentiment on the part of Pope Francis and not Mercy…Jesus himself showed mercy to Mary Magdalen when he did NOT condemn her BUT he also said: GO, AND SIN NO MORE…how blind do you have to be NOT to understand the message of Christ himself.
Fr. Thomas was correct in pointing out these errors in Amoris Letitia….and shame on anyone who does not have the courage to stand up for what is TRUTH…remember what Jesus said: If you deny me before others tgen I shall deny you.
We should not be afraid of standing up for Christ and his truth. We should be more afraid of concealing it.
I support Clyde in his perceptions of Fr Wienandy’s issues with Pope Francis. Pope Francis has taken a giant step in bringing the love & joy of the gospels into our loves. He is a Pope for the laity especially in our families where the beginnings of God’s low is born and nourished for our whole lives. We are the church of the future as we witness the wonderful ministries radiating from our lives into the world which needs us to be nonjudmental and merciful. The doctrines are firmly based in our spirituality and linked to our lives as children of God embraced in and through the Trinity. Blessings to all.
The way I see it, Pope Francis has left the one faithful sheep (who knows Church Doctrine and should have no qualms about anybody’s perceived ambiguities) and gone after the 99 who wander aimlessly, heading for the clifftop and tangled up in barbed wire after 50 years of virtual silence from most pulpits about doctrine, faith and morals (not Francis’s fault, by the way).
The Pope has a near-impossible task, faced with abysmal ignorance of the Baptised, a hostile and contrary culture and a media waiting to pounce and put the worst possible spin on his words. He refuses to be trapped by predatory media into making statements which will then be interpreted as harsh and judgmental, pushing a shattered world into despair.
As a penitent, I see this pope as truly the Good Samaritan, doing his utmost not to frighten already-traumatised sinners who need coaxing gently back on the road to the Father’s House. Francis entices, soothes and saves the anathema-hurling for the self-appointed defenders of the faith who seem unable to perceive the pope’s passion for bringing into the Church those residing in the ditches and by the waysides.
Catholics have a grave duty to learn the faith themselves. The laity has to play grown-ups now. Anybody can access the Catechism. No point in relying on Father or Sister or Brother to teach the faith – that stopped 60 years ago after the Great Silence (and repudiations from theologians and bishops and seminary rectors) following Paul V1 Humane Vitae.
The Pope, as I see it, is the embodiment of Divine Mercy. If he can attract sinners back and into the Church, it is up to the locals in charge of the parish to nurse the patient back to health and make sure they follow Doctor’s strict orders (doctrine, faith and morals).
Faithful Catholic, it is your responsibility to learn and practice your faith. The Pope is not always talking to you. He’s sweating blood trying to heave the wounded onto his horse, heading for the inn.
Many of the Pope’s detractors – if not mostly – are traditionalists, longingly looking forward to the past of a seemingly peaceful and cohesive Church . Ah, but the wolves were all there long before the Council, plotting and refining their great modernistic heresy, and they seized the perfect opportunity of the aftermath of V2 to cause the theological septicemia which still afflicts the Body of Christ.
Try loving and praying for the Pope and you may understand him a little better. Most of the detractors and critics I have met, and I’ve met a few, have only read what the detractors write – not the official and published words of the Pope Francis himself.
Maryse Usher, I truly wish there was a medimun available that I could use to discuss with you your opinion. I think we can learn from each other. I will admit I have not thought of Pope Francis in the mammer you have presented in your comment. The refusal of responding to the dubia has me completely baffled! I believe SO much trouble that has risen could have been avoided my Pope Francis responding! He is a Bishop. Bishops teach. His “students” have questions on what he tried to teach! Why not answer? Why not show the compassion for them as a Bishop should, then I could begin to consider your comments in his defence. I wish there was a way you and I could correspond!
What law??????? It is typical to abuse the meaning of the Samaritan story by those who desire to undermine the loving and pastoral truth of all moral law. The Samaritan was responding to the moral law that requires us to render aid to those in distress. And moral obligation supercedes the ritural law which is not binding at all times. Moral law is binding at all times. It is blatantly evil to not trouble ourselves to make this obvious distinction.
Excellent post, Father. We need more good priests and bishops like yourself and Fr. W. to speak the truth.
O Holy Father Athanasius, pray to God for us sinners!
I am a Catholic priest. Sadly, I must remain anonymous out of fear. What Fr. Weinandy has written is truth. I’m quite certain that thousands and thousands of my brother priests feel the same way and are very concerned with Pope Francis. We pray for him, love his office, and want what’s best for him. Yet this pontificate is the most uninspiring thing to happen during our priestly lives. How do I know this? Because many of us talk about it with each other. Yet we are scared of retaliation if we share this with our bishops, religious superiors, or our ‘papa’. We feel like we are living in a household with an abusive father who needs an intervention but we fear he will beat us. We are trapped. We love Jesus, His Church, and the papacy so much that we are very hesitant to speak publicly about our concerns with Pope Francis. We are suffering greatly. Pray for us! We pray for better days. Days of clarity, truth, and zeal for God’s house. Those days will come again.
You do have our prayer, Father. Those of us who have been in religious life are familiar with the vindictiveness of the heterodox whose ire knows no shame. It is being brazenly displayed during this pontificate. It serves the purpose of familiarizing the lay faithful with what our priests endure at the hands of those who abuse their authority.
Fidelity such as yours under the present adversity is so deeply appreciated. All of you are in my morning offering daily.
God reward you.
Father, you and your fellow priest have more power than you think. First and most important, you have Truth and His Mother on your side. Next, Bishops can’t run their Diocese without the priest in the parish. People know what is going on…To quot the late Bishop Sheen…•
“Who is going to save our Church? Do not look to the priests. Do not look to the Bishops.It’s up to you, the laity, to remind our priests to be priests and our Bishops to be Bishops.”
Father, consider yourself reminded. I don’t know where your Diocese is. But I do know if 15 to 20 priest in each Diocese decided to resist their Bishop(s) if necessary, defend Truth and the faithful by publicly supporting Fr Weinandy’s position, the Lord and His Mother would have your back as well faithful in the pews. God Bless You…Stand-up for Truth to Power. You Can’t Loose.
Excellent post, Jacob.
Father you and your brother Priests have my daily prayers (Rosaries) and I am sure that there are countless laity who do the same.
It seems the inquisition lives, but like everything else in nuchurch, has been inverted. Instead of doggedly defending orthodoxy and rooting out heresy, it’s mission now is to sniff our orthodoxy anywhere and everywhere and crush it, all the while allowing error and amibuity to run rampant.
Father, I am a faithful traditional Catholic husband,Catholic father of 4 children, and 4.
grandchildren. We are very active in many ministires at a mostly traditional parish, located in a mostly non-traditional diocese. We pray for you and all your fellow priest and fellow Catholics throughout the world that are witnessing this turmoil in God’s holy church. We are totally distraught at the state of affairs and conduct of the pope. We try to be obedient and faithful to the Holy Father but we sense that he is doing such controversial teachings that conflict with our traditional teachings. We feel helpless as we see many nontraditional bishops and cardinals taking control of our church, just as it was returning to more traditional teachings under Pope Benedict. We witness in some parishes questionable activites and the way some masses are conducted. Many do not even kneel during the Eucharistic prayer, some churches dont have kneelers, hidden tabernacles, etc. We wonder what our future will be. We love our faith and hope and pray traditional and faithful clergy will gain control and lead us in thr direction that is most pleasing to the Lord our God and His blessed Son Jesus Christ. Until such time we will pray that the Holy Spirit will lead Pope Francis and all Catholics back to traditional Catholic teachings and obedience to the Lord as Jesus intended His Holy Church to follow..
I didn’t realize the Pope was that “grumpy” about any who wanted to discuss what he’s preaching! Surely, the apostles ranted and raved with each other, St. Paul, and St. Peter having big arguments (about if Jesus came for the gentiles, also). And, it all worked out. I hate it when people are censored or ignored for asking answers to their questions about their religion, it isn’t about their faith, it is about the legalistic part. This is what happened when Martin Luther was ignored. Trouble will follow. Also, I used to praise Catholic Charities to all who asked where to give, but if they have become leftists, I will no longer promote them.
I pray for all the faithful daily – and that Pope Francis will allow the Holy Spirit to direct his teaching, rather than the political fashions of the day. Be assured of my
continued prayers.
I pray daily and after communion for priests I’ve received from whom I’ve received the sacraments. I’ll add “all faithful priests” to that list with you and those like you in mind.
Keep the faith & persevere, Father. “Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.” (Matt 5:11:12, DR)
We pray everyday for our orthodox=faithful to Christ clergy and religious in the church, like Fr Weinandy. Then we turn and pray for the conversion or the exit from THE CHURCH of Christ, of the heterodox priests and religious at ALL levels of the church, causing confusion, dissent, heresies and division in the ONE,HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC church. Thanks be to GOD that you as well as us the “trying to be” faithfuls, have some beacons of truth and light in the midst of this darkness, in beautiful, holy, martyrs to be clergy, like Fr Weinandy, Fr Gary (seen on EWTN w Raymond Arroyo) others too; and the well known Bishops, Cardinals as well as our beloved Benedict XVI. JESUS IS TRUTH…. Jesus we trust in you as we do our part in humble service to you in trepidation of our own shortcomings.
Dear Father,
I totally understand what you’re saying. I felt the same way for a long time.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Physician of souls and bodies, Whom you hold in your consecrated hands at every Mass, will give you the strength you need to uphold the Catholic Faith.
One suggestion, if I may: Offer up the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for all our Catholic bishops, priests, deacons and religious on the First Thursday of the month c.f. Prayer Crusade for Priests
In Christ the King,
Margaret
God bless and keep you and those like you, Father.
This is the time when the Laity must speak truth to power, since you cannot.
Good ArchBishop ++ Fulton Sheen of holy memory foresaw a time like this, and thanks to his videos still available on Youtube, still gives us sound guidance how to navigate this era with prayer (particularly in the context of Fatima messages) and recourse to the sound old catechisms that keep us grounded in the faith.
Though he was more controversial (because unjustly but convincingly slandered) predictions by the late Fr Malachi Martin (particularly about “a Pope under the influence of Satan”) are prophetically and grimly accurate; and his interviews with Canadian Catholic Bernard Janzen dovetail with what ++ Sheen said about these apocalyptic times, which they both foresaw but did not live to see.
The part about “abusive household” is exactly right. I am a traditional Catholic and attend FSSP masses. I sold everything at a loss to move close to this parish. The more I study about the Vatican, the Pope etc, and the more I observe some of the behaviors at close hand of those who should be our leaders, the more hopeless I feel. I am seriously considering Orthodoxy. I’m a nobody, but I promise you there are many like me.
I am sorry Father. I will pray for the many priests out there afraid to speak out! God richly bless you!
God reward Father Weinandy. This is a man of fortitude.
Beautifully reasoned. Well written. Respectful to a fault.
Doomed to the circular file, as is the writer – if he escapes with his neck.
The Bishop of Rome, his sycophants in the episcopate, in the theological academy, in the clerical class and the Catholic media are unmasked as unworthy of their responsibilities.
In having abandoned the faithful they have brought judgement upon themselves.
Provided the gravity of their fault one might expect mercy to be less a commodity than they like to presume.
It’s disgusting beyond belief that a man of father’s supposed stature would command Our Savior to give a specific sign with stringent limitations. To me, it speaks of a lack of faith.
Clearly not a lack of faith in Christ…
Thank you for publishing this article, Mr. Olson.
Philippians 1: 3-4 (DRV)
There was no demand. There was a plea for clarity made in humility. To frame it otherwise is at least uncharitable. If not far worse.
That is absurd.
Did you not read Isaiah? Isaiah said to Ahaz ask for a sign. Ahaz declined.
You are in the mold of Ahaz. Father is in the mold of Isaiah.
If anything, it is a great sign of humility to ask for confirmation from the Lord rather than just going through with what he wanted to say. He is obviously a man of faith who trusts the Lord and to him the Lord has made clear His displeasure with this papacy.
If Jesus didn’t like it, he certainly failed to make that clear!
Command? He did not “command”. All he was asking for was a clear sign so that he could be absolutely sure that it was from Jesus before taking such an important step. Gideon asked for a sign before going to war and God gave it to him.
The Fatima’s kids asked our Lady for a “sign” because their parents didn’t believe them.
The Blessed Mother replied: On the next oct 13th (1917) I will perform here a great miracle SO THAT ALL MAY BELIEVE.
Then, on oct 13th, the sun began to dance…
I was the child of an unhappy and dysfunctional marriage, and did not wish to marry until late in life. I prayed for three years to find the right spouse, and asked God for a specific sign if and when I did meet him. The first evening I met my husband, God gave me the sign, and I knew that evening that we would be married. We have been happily and blessedly married for nearly 30 years.
Asking God for a specific and even unusual sign to ensure you don’t marry the wrong person is a VERY prudent way to express your faith in God’s Providence, and a safe approach the sacrament of marriage, because it is too easy to be misled by one’s emotions in choosing the person which for better or worse, you will spend the rest of your life with.
And yet, Our Lord acceded to Father Weinandy’s alleged “command.” That, or Father’s lying to the entire Church. Which do you think it is?
@DJR God listen to “commands” of good people. He did it for 30 years in Nasareth. And even beginning His official activity was on “demand” from His Mother. And for example father of all belivers Abraham was commanding to God “50” “40” “30” “20” “10” Deal? And God said deal. Jews demand human king? So they recived David and new David Jesus both human and God is King of Universe. God is a humble good person. You can argue with Him, you can make deal or bet (like Pascal). So your dychotomy is false
“God is a humble good person.” There is one God in *three* Divine Persons – +Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Otherwise, interesting post.
I think it shows the good and close relationship he had w Our Lord.
Our Savior must have suggested what “specific sign” the priest should ask Him at prayer.
Or, as St. John Vianney had said a long time ago, ““O how great is the priest!… God obeys him: he utters a few words and the Lord descends from Heaven at his voice…”
Pardon me Sir. But Our Lord Himself said “seek and You Shall Find” I to have strong faith. As 7th born of 10 Children for GOD! And I to ask my Lord and SAVIOUR for signs on my road back to Him. I am A Mother of 4 children, who consicraited my self to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, and The SACRED Heart Of JESUS. My own Dad had replied to me when I told him this, that my life was going to Drastically change. He repeated to me, And I Mean Drastically! Are you sure You are ready for this? I replied Oh Yes Daddy, for what other reason am I born; but to serve GOD! He said ” well ok then” but I hope you are ready! My life soon changed, I found myself at a retreat on St. Elizabeth of The Trinity. Clutching my purse and begging The Trinity and Mother to keep my children I had never left before safe with their own father!!! The Holy Spirit Himself had with a heavy wind entered into me! I was gently rapped in gentile calmness that enraptured me! My life soon changed! My father had passed away a year later! He was my stronghold in my faith! All 10 of us and my Mother were greatly effected by his passing. I had been separated from my children not long after my Consecration and after that The retreat happened! But So many signs from my Lord had been given to me! As well as actually saving my life several times! GOD wants to be asked for signs! It is Not a Lack of Faith to me! BUT a Strong Belief in His Words, ” Ask and You Shall Receive” ” Seek and You Shall Find, Knock and The Door Shall be Opened” All of these things have happened to me in my humble offering of my life to my LORD and My Savior! My life had became Extremely difficult! My life was threatened, and was No longer my own! I have been as my Lord said, mocked, struck, and held against my will, but I have been saved Literally! My Lord has Even used Nature to show me things just before harm was on it’s way! My faith has been a way of living not dying, but a way to help turn some of the hardest criminals, by His Outward Signs that, ” there is A GOD, and He sure Loves You!”. And I humbly said, Yes and Don’t Ever Forget it! I know for a fact that GOD is Ever So Close to those who Speak from there hearts to him! Especially when that Person is put in potential danger in this world of lack in belief! It is A Very Dark Time We are living in! Even being abandoned by ones Own family members! The lack of one asking for a sign from Him, to me; shows more of a lack in his help, more so than a true belief He will answer! My humble opinion. For The VIRGIN MOTHER herself understood this in Fatima! And She is the Reason I am Born! Fatima was my parents second Conversion! They only had two children at the time. They were going to move to Florida, but after learning about Fatima! Here I Am! Lord..Ave Maria! I may be alone and suffering, but My Heavenly Parents have Never let my life be taken for some reason. Ask and You Shall receive answers from Heaven, Because it Is All Real!
“Command” or ask? If you want to find a true lack of faith, perhaps you should cast a glance in the direction of certain residences on or near the shores of the Tiber.
Or, for that matter, Mr. Eiermann could cast his glance in the direction of the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese from whence he came (namely, the Archdiocese of Chicago) – and let’s not forget the Archbishop’s residence, too – or in the direction of the university from which he graduated (St. Xavier University) or in the direction of the university from which I graduated (DePaul University) to find a true lack of faith, as well as overt perversion and falsification of the Catholic faith.
Don’t you think you are being a little bit scary?
Father Weinandys, specifity of a “sign” was clearly to assure himself and others that his writing of this letter was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and was necessary, and not only his own opinion.
Pish Posh. Different religious orders have different spiritualities and theological tendencies. And it is just this difference as radiating from the unity of traditional faith that is truly Catholic. Fr. Weinandy is a Franciscan (Capuchin). He’s not a Dominican. He’s not a Jesuit. And he’s not a Benedictine. What comes through is NOT some pretense to command the Omnipotent One. Fr. Weinandy is certainly candid and articulate. But what comes through is a very affective and, in its own way, simple spirituality, not unlike that of the Little Flower, whom many of us pray to asking for some sign of her rose. This is not the looking for signs as in 1 Cor 1:22, which is about salvation history. This is about looking for an indication from a saintly friend or the Savior Himself, when all other rational efforts leave one in a state of frozen perplexity. It’s more like casting lots for the replacement of Judas in Acts 1:26. It is consistent with Apostolic faith. It is the very antithesis of commanding Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Rather, it is indicative of a heart that is bold enough to ask his friend and master to make clear a command of obedience to which Father would then submit!
(That “Father” being Father Weinandy, just to be clear.)
Jesus in his time was seen as ambiguous and confusing the people though He came as alight to the world of darkness. Those who go criticizing the Pope’s openness are still the old fashon arena of high priests and pharisees circle; doctrines are man made the only teaching of Christ that remains valuable and undisputable is LOVE. You bishop or priest are not married, you do not know the reality of marriage, how would put rules and regulations on an issue that you do not have any experience about? Hypocrites, allow the Pope to free those overburdened by your hypocrisy in the Church. The Holy Spirit will always have the last word because He will teach you the whole truth and the truth wil lset you free, says Jesus! May the Holy Spirit keep on enlightening the Holy Father Pope Francis.
So, you’re saying that for two thousand years the Holy Spirit has been sleeping, not guiding the Church at all as She held firmly to doctrines. If you’re claiming to be Catholic, you might have the intellectual honesty to admit that in fact you are Protestant.
“You bishop or priest are not married, you do not know the reality of marriage, how would put rules and regulations on an issue that you do not have any experience about?”
Translation: “There are sins that I want to commit or am committing and the Church won’t agree to change Her teachings and therefore I am going to rebel against the authority of the Church of God and insist that I have to have direct direction by the Holy Spirit, Who, surprise!, will give me license to commit those sins!”
I’ll bet you support abortion, too: “All those priests and bishops aren’t women, how dare they tell me what to do with ‘my’ body?”
The true doctrine of the church is Not man made but is inspired by the Holy Spirit and the teachings o Christ himselg.if Jesus appeared to be ambiguous it was to those hypochrites who tried to trip him up.
Thou shalt not commit adultery is a commandment from God….not man made.
Jesus loves the sinner but hates the sin and did not, as Amoris Letitia suggests subscribe to it.
Disgusting?
He is a man and knew that what he intended to do would bring down heat upon him (proven correct within hours). It is human nature to be a little skittish before embarking on such a task. In his human weakness he was asking his Lord and King to help him and reassure him. The Lord granted his request so I think that’s proof positive that He didn’t think it was disgusting.
There’s plenty “disgusting” going on here but the actions of Fr. Weinandy isn’t part of that. The reaction to it from the USCCB, and the reasons Father wrote the letter in the first place, however…
The shoot the messenger tactic is old, and should be beneath the USCCB. It obviously is not.
Interestingly, several saints had similar methods to be sure that they were not acting on personal inclinations. To seek a sign for a spirit course of action is evidence of deep faith and humility.
I so agree with Tom, I would never need the Lord to be so specific.
When He moves us we feel it we know it.
I find it very troubling to think that Fr Weinandy would require this so called sign.
It sounds like Satan’s work to me.
It seems to me that satan’s (no capital letter)work is often accomplished by our
reliance on our personal “feelings”. Father had the humility
to ask for direction and to obey it. His feelings were confusing,
so he sought clarity from his loving shepherd.
Why no capital letter? Do you not believe that Satan exists – and that Hell also exists?
I also use no capital letter in his name as a way of insulting him. I’m sure that’s what Mary is doing, too.
You made me smile, Anonymous, by not capitalising the tempter’s name.
As an old English teacher, I used to repeat the rule to my students, “We capitalise proper nouns: persons, places an things.”
satan is an improper person, and I too do not dignify him by giving his name a capital letter.
Yeah right…
The Sign he asked for was affirmation that his writing is consistent with The Deposit of Faith.
Keep up the Good Writing, Father, as you continue to defend Christ and His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, outside of which, there is no Salvation.Q The Sacrifice of The Cross Is The Sacrifice of The Most Holy And Undivided Blessed Trinity, ” For God so Loved us that He Sent His Only Son…”
I thought the specificity of his request for a sign was amazing!
Yes, he wanted to be certain that his sign
could not happen by coincidence.
The motive was obedience and respect toward God done in humility. That is why God answered.
“Disgusting beyond belief”? Hmmmmm. Maybe a bit too far, is it not?
He got the sign didn’t he? Jesus, it would seem, was not put off by the request. Have you never read the biblical account of Gideon and the fleece? Though we should not put God to the test there do seem to be circumstances where we are allowed to ask for specific signs and God is willing to give them.
His act was not “disgusting.” He wanted confirmation from God what he was about to do was God’s will. It was a prudential judgment and could have gone other directions. Before “pulling the trigger” on something that will be publicized to and affect the actions of millions of people, it seems very wise to me to ask God for a sign. And God answered him in about 12 hours. If he was rebuked or corrected by God for asking, he didn’t say so; my assumption given everything else I read about him is he would be honest and admit it if such had happened.
Fr. Weinandy has fortitude.
Since Pope Francis and “Austin Ivereigh’s Team Bergoglio” oppose the teaching of all faithful Popes before 2013 – faithful Catholics will oppose Pope Francis.
Period.
The only mistake the good Father made was to resign. He should have made them terminate him. One who is in the correct position of defending the Faith should never give in to those who oppose Truth.
Agree with Jack. Father should have made the bishops fire him and let them try to explain. Great and courageous letter by Father Weinandy.
It could also be taken to indicate his docility to the hierarchy. (That’s also why the “apostolic mandate” was so important to him.) It shows that this is not about Fr Weinandy’s personal battle, but about letting the truth shine in the darkness.
I respectively disagree. By resigning and them taking his resignation, he has called them out. Surely they should respect his right to an opinion? The decent thing would be for the bishops to say this is not a resigning issue. This papacy has left me cold. I do not understand its obsession with climate change, or desire for pro choice speakers in the Vatican and the absolute encouragement for the islamification of Europe.
As to part of your last sentence: What “choice” do so-called “pro-choice” speakers advocate? Pro-abortion speakers (a far more accurate term) advocate for only one choice: to kill the unborn child.
These pro-abortion speakers could also quite accurately be called eugenicist speakers, because that, too, is what they advocate.
All this hinged on Tom being accommodated by the Holy father. When that didn’t happen, of course, he should have realized that the prophetic message in James 3:13-18. All of our new-day pharisees have in common a disdain for Pope Francis much the same as the Pharisees did with Jesus. They crucified my Lord, then, and today their new-day counterparts jump on the band wagon of the many naysayers intent on division with no mercy. It appears as though there is plenty of shame to go around. So go ahead and lash out. Jesus took a few for us too.
What is the difference between being told to resign and being fired?
No — Father W. did the right thing because he is a religious (not a secular) priest: who takes suggestions from his lawful superiors as a command to be obeyed.
God will bless him, and confound his superiors, because of his truthfulness and humility. It is a sort of “spiritual ju jitsu” wherein the obedient overthrow the tyrannical & prideful; who are eventually “hoist with their own petard.”
This is a fine letter with a remarkable inducement in the sign given to Fr. Weinandy. His concluding observation seems particularly apt: the confusion sown by Pope Francis is giving the irresolute and heterodox a seemingly safe opportunity to “expose their previously hidden darkness.” May they do so quickly, and may their toxin be removed from the Church quickly.
Amen.
I’m late for the “game”. Casually, I see many inconsistencies within ‘Chapter 8, Amoris…” It appears there is much sweeping under the rug (or towards the margin) of difficulties simply because the Pontificate has not the depth of insight to expand on this subject reasonably and with adequate means to express their “explanations”. I believe what we have here is:
One who bit off more than they could ever possibly chew!
The level of sophistry within Chapter 8 is astounding! It virtually reads like a man explaining an issue he has no concept of; directly or once-removed.No wonder Priests, Bishop’s etc. Are in fear of retribution for critical analysis. This man’s (and his advisor’s) depth is skin deep! “Authors”, such as the writers of Chapter 8, cannot and will not tolerate competing opinions since the ignorant will unlikely humble themselves before the Truth. But who am I??? Just some guy…
excellent analysis.
Three words: Amazing! Awesome! Wonderful!
Praise the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting.
He sends true shepherds when those he has appointed has chosen to join the wolves.
Praise the Lord for Fr Weinandy!
Francis is convinced that his teaching in the “twilight” is right. He is not going to answer anyone other than denigrating that person and claim he is a Pharisee on doctrine and “rigid.”
From his statements on capital punishment to the synod of next year, this pope who has claimed his supreme office as absolute. From the above very well written letter to the dubia, this pope obviously has a progressive agenda so the Church can be “of” the world drowned in mercy devoid of justice.
The next Godly Pope will surely appoint Fr Weinandy a bishop.
It is oh so simple and so crystal clear:
Jesus: “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Jorge Bergoglio: “No one is condemned forever.”
Inspired word of God in St. Paul to the Galatians: ” I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”
As for me and my house, we’ll stick with Jesus.
Guy McClung, Texas
Fr Weinandy’s devastatingly accurate critique is an urgent appeal for the salvation of souls.
Well said, Father.
LJC
I’m an italian blogger.
I would like give to Father Thomas, “son” of St.Lorenzo da Brindisi Doctor Ecclesiae, my gratitude:
his wotds are clear and bright.
Sorry for the “not-answer” by Pope Francis and for the decision of the Usccb.
Holy Virgin always guide You, with love and sweetness, dear Father Thomas.
God bless you for your words of encouragement for Fr W.,
Cosimo de Matteis.
A great reversal is coming soon. The devil is evil and he can’t help himself – – he is compelled to evil. But when he thought he had won his greatest victory, the Crucifixion of Christ, God turned this evil into the greatest good. Pope Leo XIII was allowed to overhear that important conversation between the devil and God. And God invited the devil to “go ahead,” destroy the Church. Just like I imagine God told him, “go ahead crucify my Son”. The great final good needed on earth must follow a great evil. God’s work must be clear to all to His Glorification! PF can’t take his next breath without God’s consent = = God’s Providence will unfold – – PRAY.
Thank you Fr. Weinandy for putting into words and out in the open what has been weighing heavily on my mind for three years now. Now, it’s all in God’s hands.
It has plesed God to allow this thing to happen. It must be for a good purpose.
Amen.
Thank you, Father! It is on my mind constantly these days that it is time to stop shying away from voicing concern with Pope Francis. It has come to a point where I struggle to save my daily offering and have to change the words to not pray for his intentions. It has come to a point where more and more laity and more and more priests need to stand up to the bullies especially those that espouse that the American Catholic Church can make up its own rules. There is no American Catholic Church there is one Church.
To my perception after living in US for 41 years the grade of Spiritually by what you mean America it clearly greatest in the South side of the Continent ? Is there aRapture at all levels ?
Shame on the USCCB.
I fear that Fr Weinandy’s swift forced removal today from the USCCB staff merely underlines everything he says about a culture of intimidation and fear – especially among the bishops.
Thank you, Father Weinandy, for your courageous letter. Please know that many are praying for you and are very grateful to you for your direct and clear expression of concerns, concerns that so many orthodox Catholics also hold. That you have been ‘asked to resign’ is not surprising at all and I wholeheartedly agree with Jack (above) who wished that you had not resigned and left them with their own responsibility to terminate you. You are a quality Christ figure who has been rejected by your own. Unfortunately politics trumps loyalty to the fullness of the Catholic Faith for so many prelates today. There is nothing new under the sun.
Does anyone see the irony of so many Catholic prelates (including Pope Bergoglio) falling all over themselves to honor a rascally, heresy-preaching Augustinian friar who criticized bishops and popes 500 years ago, while persecuting a faithful Capuchin friar who criticizes bishops and popes in the here and now?
My irony meter just fell off the wall!
Fr. Weinandy’s concerns about doctrine’s reduction to mere ideology reminds me of St. Paul’s words to Timothy indicating that sound doctrine accords with the gospel, and that disobedience to the law is contrary to sound doctrine:
“Now we know that the law is good, if any one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, immoral persons, sodomites, kidnapers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the glorious gospel of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.” (1 Tim. 1:9-12)
It is beyond ironic, in these days in which Luther is being lauded, that this faithful priest is being punished for his charitable criticism. In the meantime, heterodox priests and bishops are spouting their heresies with no restraint. The rot in our Church goes very deep.
Yes, I agree….SHAME ON THE USCCB, they are clearly on the wrong side of our FAITH!! The WOLVES are showing their TEETH!!
Thank you Fr. Weinandy for standing as a true shepherd of Christ in HIS Church!! God will surely reward you!! Praying for you in my Rosary!!
I think it is lamentable when a person loses employment in a way such as this. Unfortunately, church authorities have been doing this all through the previous two pontificates. Business as usual with different people in charge? Perhaps so. Two young seminarian friends of mine were once discussing what they would do when they got ordained: fire every “liberal” employee in their new parish and start fresh. Let’s not be deceived: this is ugly, vindictive behavior, quite possibly sinful.
Publishing a personal letter is perhaps a bit different than writing it. And relaying this letter in the press may not have been an expression of prudence. But I don’t see it as worthy of termination of employment. A matter for Fr Weinandy and his spiritual director.
Fr Weinandy letter was accurate, valid and respectful. In short it was the Truth.Unfortunately, Truth has been the rarest of commodities in Rome for the last 4.5 years….all aided and abetted by feckless and faithless Bishops (Conferences) throughout the world. The Shepherds have abandoned the sheep who are trying to retain the faith without the buildings. Clearly, Pope Francis et al is consumed by “diabolical disorientation” Sister Lucy warned about. The wolves have replaced the shepherds, Truth is being denied, and the souls of the faithful are at great risk. The promised chastisement has begun.
Bravo to Father Weinandy for his virtuous defense of the Truth. Where can we write to Father to voice our support of his courageous act?
Lifesite News has a petition that everyone can sign:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishops-conference-hammered-for-sacking-theologian-critical-of-pope
It’s at the top of the article.
Most of all, please share it with others!
May the Holy Archdeacon and Protomartyr Stephen pray for you and all of us!
Dear Dr Thomas G. Weinandy,
This is your hour of Trial and please be assured JESUS IS WITH YOU and so are we all with our prayers and pleadings that JESUS help Out Pope Francis and his tribe be the Disciples they must be in this hour of deep Ecclesial crisis.
May Mama Mary be your strong support and of them all too who are affected and afflicted as you are for the Church.Parce Domine!
Expect retaliation from the powers-that-be in the Vatican, bishops, fellow theologians, priests, perhaps his Franciscan superiors.
Fr. Weinandy may soon be divested of his public ministries and relegated to the cloister, praying, fasting and doing mortifications for the Church of Our Lord whom he loves so much.
Wow! What an extraordinary letter. What an extraordinary prelude to this letter.
The pope’s apparatchiks at the USCCB, a completely useless bureaucracy, have done their dirty work for the
‘Capo di tutti capi’. As we all knew they would. This pope and all his lieutenants are very bad news.
God bless Fr Thomas Weinandy and God bless holy Benedict.
Is there a way to have Catholics concur with Father’s letter on line (like a petition of sorts), and send that to Pope Francis, so he and the USCCB can see how many concerned Catholic’s there really are? My husband and I will sign it!
The petition from Lifesite News supporting Fr. W. is at the top of the article:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/us-bishops-conference-hammered-for-sacking-theologian-critical-of-pope
It might be helpful to this discussion if one reads the new book out by George Neumayr entitled”The Political Pope”….it is a real eye opener and very much related to the Pontificate of Pope Francis.
Marco Tosatti’s headline for this news sums it up best:
“Dialogue and Mercy Strike Again”
Yes, indeed.
There is no mercy for those who ask reasonable questions in an intelligent, respectful way.
The pope and apparatchiks at the USCCB have no class. The pope operates not as a shepherd but as a “Capo di tutti Capi”.
Yes. God will bring great good from all this. More than we ever expected. God is like that.
Begin praising God now for His wisdom, power, and His loving, wonderful plan. The Church survived the attempt of the mighty Roman Empire to eradicate it from the face of the Earth. Interestingly, it was Rome that collapsed, not the Church, which will survive Bergoglio and continue its triumphant march down through the centuries.
So it will be with the heretical Church that has existed side by side with the true Church, sharing its buildings and its universities. It will collapse and be dispersed. When the dust settles, the true Church, perhaps a smaller but a much more dynamic one, will go marching on.
Those who oppose the Holy Spirit-protected Church, whether they fight it from without or from within, always lose in the end. Gamaliel was right:
The true Church is of God. It cannot be overthrown.
“2013-post-Catholic-Kirk” is a dead fish floating downstream on the zeitgeist.
Fr. Weinandy is a faithful, intelligent and courageous priest.
Thank you Lord for his example.
Kyrie eleison.
How can a Pope who claims to be humble, “open to debate”, broad spirited, ready to dialogue and merciful can be so despising when anyone dares to respectfully contradict his stances, many of which are heterodox or borderint to heresy?
The good education and the christian charity would have led the Pope to give a reply to Fr Weinandy’s letter. Instead of this, he orders the USCCB to fire him.
Pure hypocrisy.
As a ‘Practicing Catholic’ for over 78 years, I have seen the Church grow under the guidance of spiritual leaders wearing the title of Pope. I was comfortable with many of the changes that were made, and I was uncomfortable with others. I always respected my spiritual leaders. The USCCB, at times, sends mixed messages without clear meanings. But they are always my spiritual leaders. Fr. Weinandy should remember that sometimes we take a meaning from our prayers that we want, rather than what God sent to us. I pray that he is able to discern the difference. And, that he will continue to speak up when he feels he has something to say. I would hope that by not getting an immediate response to his letter from The Pope, he appreciates that possibly The Pope heard his message.
“I would hope that by not getting an immediate response to his letter from The Pope, he appreciates that possibly The Pope heard his message.” I was thinking the same thing. We can pray for this. Thank you and God bless you Fr. Weinandy.
Mr Jones,
You are a faithful son of God and the Church. Your reward in heaven is great.
Consider this, though. The USCCB is first, last and always a bureaucracy and is not a source of spiritual leadership.
The USCCB is a creature of the 1970s. The Church in the US did quite well before this organization was created and if it closed tomorrow, the Church would not suffer.
Do not look to Washington for anything of spiritual value. Harsh but true.
How Cardinal DiNardo silences and punishes someone who upholds and seeks Truth! Quite like Francis seems to do whenever he seems to be in opposition to the Magisterium of the Church….
I do not support Rev Fr, Thomas Weinandy. Below are my reasons:
CATHOLICISM, when it is properly understood, translates into “LOVE YOUR YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF.” It resolves itself into: “IF YOU CANNOT LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF THEN YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT CATHOLICISM OR CHRISTIANITY MEANS.” Anyone who cannot get that simple proposition, to me, is not really a Catholic nor a Christian nor an authentic human being.
It is only when that proposition ceases to be our pre-occupation that we pivot to doctrinal niceties and the concoction of heresies as if these doctrines can replace the proposition to love our neighbour as we love ouirselves. The world would seem to be trying to forget how to love – why? It is too hard!
Anyone who fails to understand what Pope Francis is trying to say in his “LAETITIA AMORIS” is being disingenuous, very disingenious!. Those who oppose him, are creating a ‘Church’ within the Church. And the bet is that they are beginning something that will not look kindly on them when the history is written. It is not my prayer that their twisted arguments blow up in their faces; my prayer is that they might try to open their eyes wide enough to allow some sunshine to get in. For these persons to pretend that they are speaking for God is damaging to themselves only. What is regrettable is that they are blinded by their personal pursuits in the guise of trying to save the Church. Which Church are they trying to save? The Church riddled with scandals before pope Francis came in. If they are priests, they are career priests whatever garment they don; if they are non priests then they are camp followers. What perhaps escapes them is that they are many of us who know what is happening in the Church, and know where these men and women opposed to Francis are coming from. If they want the Church to return to Pomp, Mystery and Romance, and to their darling recondite doctrinal positions, which even they themselves do not understand, let them get on with it in their cathedrals and parishes, and institutions. But let them hands off the billions who do not want to return to that misguided Catholicism. If they are not blinded, they would have realised the degree of blessings, which have flowed into the lives of many Catholics in the wake of the LAETITIA AMORIS.
Blah, blah, blibbidy blah.
You seem not to have noticed that the *first* commandment is “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength.” Loving God with one’s whole heart, soul, mind, and strength does not involve blithely ignoring what He has said regarding, for example, “remarriage” after divorce being adultery, or disobeying the Church which is His body, or Her Bible, Tradition, and Magisterium
And for someone who chirps “love, love, lovey dovey sweetness and light,” you certainly write a spiteful and malicious post.
I certainly hope you don’t have any children. I can imagine what they’d be like. “Here are some rules; but feel free to ignore them and do whatever you want, even if it plunges you into danger and illness, as long as you luuuuuuuvvv Daddy.”
Another who knows better he thinks and crosses the line of sisterly/ brotherly love
Well said . It is broadly in line with my own views written a bit further down. The troubles like this creep into public view due to a lack of studious understanding of the Faith and how to behave as an individual seeking closeness with the Trinity. This would become clear if we all listened to Fr Richard Rohr OFM and his book The Divine Dance and his Youtube homilies instead of the lack of humility which leads some to think they know better
“if we all listened to Fr Richard Rohr OFM”.
Oh, Lord. Really?
I had (mercifully) never heard of Richard Rohr so I just looked him up.
They ask for bread, and he gives them tripe.
Perhaps comfort can be found in Pope Benedict’s teaching regarding Tertullian, when he said “This great moral and intellectual personality, this man who made such a great contribution to Christian thought, makes me think deeply. One sees that in the end he lacked the simplicity, the humility to integrate himself with the Church, to accept his weaknesses, to be forbearing with others and himself.
When one only sees his thought in all its greatness, in the end, it is precisely this greatness that is lost. The essential characteristic of a great theologian is the humility to remain with the Church, to accept his own and others’ weaknesses, because actually only God is all holy. We, instead, always need forgiveness.”
What a letter! God bless you, Fr. Weinandy!
Keep up the good writing!
I support the Holy Father and I wish him to consider all his theological stances in supporting the Universal Church. I pray for the Holy Father that Christ’s Will be done on earth.
I pray for the courage that Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy, O.F.M., Cap. had and demonstrated to allow the laity to support him on this issue.
I am reminded of Msgr. Charles Pope’s article on Romans I and that we were are now reaping our punishment.
http://blog.adw.org/2017/10/romans-1-prophetic-interpretation-reality-times/
May we exercise greater repentance in our daily lives by only Humility to Christ.
The clarity in which Fr. Weinandy spoke was so beautiful! Thank you so much Father for your fidelity to Our Blessed Lord and for demonstrating to us Catholics that we are not alone. We hunger for truth!
I guess it boils down to this,in my thinking: Let your yes be yes and your no be no, anything else comes from the evil one.I have felt for some time now, that many of those entrusted with the spiritual health of the flock have lost sight of open and honest dialogue and prefer to hedge their bets by being deliberately vague. The Pharisees were masters at manipulation and word play and I had hoped our shepherds would not fall into the same trap. More than ever, we need clear guidance as the wolves circle the flock.
Fr. Weinandy: Know that the Catholic laity stands behind you and are praying for you and others like yourself in a position to speak out in favor of the traditional Magisterium which taught and guided the flock with clarity until Vatican II. It is not by being ambiguous when it comes to moral principles that we show our love for our neighbor, but it is in always seeking truth!
Title I of the Code of Canon Law outlines the right of ALL of the Christian faithful, lay and cleric, to make known their needs and even opinions on matter of concern to the Holy Church (see can. 212).
Whether Father’s PRIVATE letter needed to be made PUBLIC is another matter . . . and, is what probably got him into trouble.
Many comments here focus on the “sign” that Fr. Weinandy mentioned as an inspiration for his making the concerns about Faith known in the external forum. I am very grateful that Father publicly shared this detail. However, the “sign” does not make Fr. Weinandy’s letter to Pope Francis any more, or less, valid. It is most legitimate letter that reflects concerns of many, if not most, Catholics.
Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy is a hero for Christ. I am disappointed with Cardinal DiNardo, who has been a strong pro-life leader but I assume he has buckled to the liberal majority of the USCCB in the “firing” of Fr.Weinandy. Pope Francis is South American liberal/communist who says lovely things but has his own religion. God have mercy on us.
Father Weinandy is first and foremost a Franciscan under vows of Poverty Chastity and Obedience and as a theologian chooses to overlook the seriousness of his actions apparently taken in a sense of righteousness. I for one have a deeper expectation of his ministry. Not content with what he has done , he now argues with the Bishops who are doing what is expected of them. St Francis would expect greater humility and perhaps more meditation when he goes into his room and shuts the door instead of revelling in the beehive he has disturbed.He follows the long line of whingers who clearly have not read and studied the scriptures enough and who have rather annoyed the church through the ages.
St. Francis would expect a good friar to defend Truth, and this is what Fr. Weinandy is doing – not counting the cost. You have clearly not studied the Catholic Catechism.
You obviously do not really understand what humility means.
Humility is not obsequiousness to authorities.
Humility is primarily grounded on truth. Truth of who we are in relation to God. This Fr Weinandy has exhibited in his letter and in his life. The same cannot be said of those who have criticized him and of him how is the subject of his letter.
From the time I read of his action (and then read the actual letter he wrote) I have wanted to know how I could contact Father Weinandy to express my gratitude and support for his courageous and inspired decision to act.
I have had little respect for many of the USCCB’s decisions in recent times and hope many more faithful priests summon the courage to express their concerns over the very real confusion and ambiguity that has been created in today’s Church.
Father Weinandy’s email address, or one that could be used to forward my support would be sufficient for my intended purpose.
Thank you Fr. W for your great courage. Your story of the sign is so heartening – one feels joyful. Now that the USCCB has abandoned you(reminds one of the beatitudes) let us hope the Holy Spirit puts you to the task of invigorating the faith in US churches. Can you travel and speak? We need people like you so badly.
It seems that the only time the hierarchy calls out someone it is for orthodoxy. When will this band of bishops see the importance of denouncing certain immoral views of Fr. James Martin and Bishop Gumbleton? We’re waiting.
Not just Bishop Gumbleton (87 years old, closing in on 88, and still perverting and falsifying the Faith), but also Cardinal Wuerl, Cardinal O’Malley, Cardinal Cupich, Cardinal Tobin, Cardinal Ferrell, Bishop McElroy, Bishop McGrath, Bishop Braxton, retired Bishop Lynch, retired bishop Kicanas, Bishop Lipscomb, Archbishop Wenski, Archbishop Lucas, Bishop Biegler – oh, the list could go on and on……
Dominic don’t mistake Bishop Thomas Tobin Providence with Archbishop Joseph Tobin Newark. The difference is night and day. Bishop Thomas Tobin has openly expressed disappointment with Pope Francis, and adds “When Church leaders have to respond to situations involving persons living an openly ‘gay lifestyle’ these days, we’re often scolded and told that we should be ‘more like Pope Francis,’ presumably the ‘Who-am-I-to judge’ Pope Francis” (Bishop Thomas Tobin Ptovidence).
Which is why I specifically mentioned CARDINAL Tobin in my comment above, Father. Only one of the two has been named a Cardinal by Pope Francis. Sadly, it is the Archbishop of Newark (who was still Archbishop of Indianapolis at the time that the red hat was conferred upon him) and not the Bishop of Providence.
https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/signs-times/papal-loyalists-become-dissidents
Interesting article.
It’s a piece of sloppy, sophistic nonsense. Alas, that’s been Fr. Reese’s calling card for years now.
Okay Dominic I overlooked your reference to Cardinal Tobin.
a shameful letter and a misunderstanding of the situation
Under conditions where drasticly fallen believers who go to Mass Sunday, where there is an increase in abortion and divorce, where more than 50% of marriages are not in the church, the friar attacks the pope to endanger the faith. And who has threatened and slandered her for the last 35 years?
Perhaps we good Catholics, should put pressure on the USCCB and ask……….WHY? Why was Fr Weinandy made to resign? It is time the good Catholic laity of America unite and ask questions! Does anyone out there agree?