These had to do with disputes concerning marriage and communion arising from the ambiguous 8th chapter of Pope Francis' document "Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love").
The Pope ignored the letter for 2 months. The Cardinals then made the contents of their letter public. Now Pope Francis is in effect being openly challenged to give straight "Yes" or "No" answers, which seems highly uncongenial to his customary equivocating style.
The questions were posed in a scrupulously correct and respectful manner. But the Pope's oft-times spokesman, Spodano, is erupting with contempt for the questioners. This is uncalled-for hostility to a legitimate plea for a clear exposition of doctrine.
It will be interesting to see what Cardinal Burke, a chess player, has in line as his next move. Fervent prayer is highly advised.
>> Fervent prayer is highly advised.<<
Prayer for the Conversion of Sinners.
Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful Saviour of the world, we humbly beseech You, by Your most Sacred Heart, that all the sheep who stray out of Your fold may in one days be converted to You, the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, who lives and reigns with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end.
Amen.
Prayer for a Happy Death
O God, great and omnipotent judge of the living and the dead, we are to appear before you after this short life to render an account of our works. Give us the grace to prepare for our last hour by a devout and holy life, and protect us against a sudden and unprovided death. Let us remember our frailty and mortality, that we may always live in the ways of your commandments. Teach us to “watch and pray” (Lk 21:36), that when your summons comes for our departure from this world, we may go forth to meet you, experience a merciful judgment, and rejoice in everlasting happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
That is a rather gutsy move. There is no retreat from playing that card. Simply put, it plays the Pope in a “dangerous ground” situation and forces him to same something explicit that he does not want to say.
In an organization, that is a career ending move. As in you had better have an exit plan. Win or lose. You do not make the “boss” look bad.
Good for them. Integrity means sometimes you have to pull the pin on the grenade. They are serving their flock well by doing this.