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To: AFPhys

Yes, it would be best that you not argue further since you are incorrect.

From the Cathecism of the Catholic Church:

882 The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter’s successor, “is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful.”402 “For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.”403


650 posted on 08/26/2009 10:14:41 AM PDT by In Maryland ("Impromptu Obamanomics is getting scarier by the day ..." - Caroline Baum)
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To: In Maryland; AFPhys

I’m no scholar, but I’d imagine if there is solid evidence/testimony that he received the Sacrament of Extreme Unction shortly before his death, there would be no impediment to a Catholic funeral. In Catholicism, it’s all about the state of one’s soul at the moment of death; the life lived previously is irrelevant, as far as eternal salvation goes, and practically speaking, as far as whether or not a Mass can be celebrated.

Since it’s likely he did receive the Sacrament, then even the Pope wouldn’t dare deny his family a Catholic funeral Mass and burial, as it would go against what is, perhaps, the most basic dogma of Catholicism, which is there is always time for repentance and forgiveness. Whether or not he was truly repentant at the moment of his death is something only his Judge can determine. However, here on earth we can only go by what is witnessed, which (most likely) was a public display of repentance.

So, IOW the issue is moot. Again, all IMO.


753 posted on 08/30/2009 8:17:24 AM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
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