Archbishop Gänswein on Synod: 'Why Do Some Pastors Want to Propose What’s Not Possible?'

Catholic Culture ^ | 7/21/15

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Archbishop Georg Gänswein has questioned why some bishops-- particularly in his native Germany-- are proposing the admission of divorced and remarried Catholics to Communion, when that step is "not possible."

The prefect of the pontifical household, who has worked closely with both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, also spoke about the similarities between the two in an interview with +1, a publication of the International University of Catalonia.

Archbishop Gänswein said that speculative theories about the resignation of Pope Benedict, which point to some pressure or motivation beyond the outgoing Pope's brief resignation statement, are "altogether devoid of foundation."

Despite the difference in approach between the two Pontiffs, "I believe that Francis thinks about it the same way" as his predecessor, said Archbishop Gänswein. "It’s not that he’s not interested in the fight against relativism, but he sees clearly that, in his pontificate, God is asking him to concentrate on other points, on other challenges."

Asked about the persecution of Christians, Archbishop Gänswein said that "the Pope is very clear on this point and, unfortunately, great institutions are silent or, if they speak, do so in an inconsistent way. And this is very grave. It’s unacceptable behavior. Up to now the Pope is the only convincing and courageous voice that says things as they are."

Turning to the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the family, he said:

Clearly the Church doesn’t close her eyes in face of the difficulties of faithful living in difficult situations. However, the Church must give sincere answers that are oriented, not to the spirit of the times, but to the Gospel, to the Word of Jesus Christ and to the Catholic tradition ...

A challenge is certainly Christians that are in a marital situation theologically called “irregular.” It means persons who have......

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The Roman church is going the way of the Anglicans, one cred at a time until there is nothing left.