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JMJ
Church Militant TV just issued another vortex on the topic of obedience to the Pope, when it is really
His rationale has two foundations:
- Criticizing the Pope publicly results in driving many 'confused Catholics' into schismatic or near-schismatic (SSPX) groups.
- It is useless to criticize the Pope as it is the Bishops who are the ones who are really the problem.
I disagree with Michael on the principle that it is not right to publicly criticize the Pope. In practice, the criticism must be delivered with respect for his office and charity for the souls - the Pope's first as well as the rest of the Church.
Even the Pope said he accepted the criticisms of the late journalist (name escapes me) and he accepted them because he knew these criticisms came from love.
So criticising or complaining about the Pope's actions do not necessarily translate into an attack upon the person of the Pope.
For example, I can definitely criticize St. Pope John Paul II's decision to kiss a koran that was presented to him. This is a sinful act against the first commandment and no one should imitate the Pope in this matter.
I also would like to note that Pope Francis' orders being disobeyed by the bishops were curiously absent. I suspect that there aren't any orders to disobey since the Pope himself is acting in accord with the bishops.
But I digress.
The reason why anyone should criticize the Pope is in order to remove the confusion about Church Teaching/Doctrine that the Pope is himself creating.
The koran kissing is a good example, but there are many examples of Pontifical actions that are causing scandal and causing people to leave the Church of Christ because of the confusion. Far more leave the Church altogether than the few thousands that take refuge in the SSPX and even the sedevacantist organizations.
And they are leaving in droves.
To not say something can be a sin of omission and as such when the Pope does something scandalous, those in positions of authority need to assert the elements of the True Faith - within their realm of authority.
Michael point about the local bishops is right - to a point however his aerial vs ground assault analogy is completely off base.
Why?
Because this crisis of the Church will not end until the Pope is strong enough to take a stand on Catholic Teaching. This is true from a doctrinal point of view and true from a cultural point of view.
Any gains made at the diocesan level can be erased as quickly as a new bishop can be installed.
Those who have a wider influence have an obligation to make use of that influence for the service of the Church. If it is required to point out, with respect, to the Pope that he is damaging the Mystical Body of Christ - then so be it.
I would not want to stand before my just judge and say: But he was the Pope.
Everyone of the abuses sickening the Mystical Body of Christ, which is the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic, Roman Church was approved by a Pope.
Following Michael's logic we should hunker down and listen to them and obey.
But the cognitive dissonance would tear us apart.
Until next time ...
P^3
Prayer
Penance
Patience
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