[NorthMountain]

Speaking ill of the Holy father is a venal sin.

If someone is a manifest public heretic, is it possible for that person also to be Pope? Does public persistence in heresy, and public proclamation of heresy, carry with it a penalty of excommunication laetae sententiae

Just curious ...

[Mrs. Don-o]

Since the pope is basically the court of final appeal, there's no way he can be convicted, finally, under canon law. Since a pope can only be judged by another pope, I reckon that would mean:

• A past pope.That could only be B16 escaping his handlers, jumping over a wall with Ganswein, and finding his voice

• The present pope: Pope Francis could repent his sin, convict himself of heresy, and depose himself. That has actually happened: Marcellinus, regnal years 296-304.

• A future pope. This has historic precedent, too. I'd have to check my list, but I think this happened to PP Liberius, whose heresy was opposed by St. Athanasius; PP Zosimus (Pelagian); PP Vigilius; PP Boniface VI.

Let us pray.