Free Republic

Neither Schismatic Nor DisobedientFaced with the profusion of statements, articles and interviews which present the Society of Saint Pius X as responsible for a fracture within the Church, for a very serious disobedience towards the Holy Father, or even for a real schism, it seems appropriate to write a few lines in order to provide some clarification.Our method will always be the same, not impressions, nor "hearsay," nor the lucubrations of the occasional commentator, but Catholic theology, drawn from its sources: the constant Magisterium of the Church and the teaching of the great theologians and canonists.1. The Society of Saint...

Abp. Gänswein: Benedict XVI felt ‘sorrow in his heart’ over Francis’ Latin Mass crackdownArchbishop Georg Gänswein has said Pope Benedict XVI felt ‘sorrow’ when Pope Francis curtailed Summorum Pontificum, his 2007 motu proprio expanding the Traditional Latin Mass.Pope Benedict XVI was deeply saddened after learning that the broad permission he granted for the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) had been significantly restricted by Pope Francis, former aide Archbishop Georg Gänswein has revealed.On July 7, Italian newspaper Il Giornale published an exclusive interview with Gänswein on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of Summorum Pontificum, Pope Benedict XVI’s motu proprio that expanded...

“Physician, Heal Thyself”: Why this Diocesan Priest Rejects the Vatican’s SSPX ExcommunicationsThe debate over the SSPX excommunications has largely centered on obedience and canon law. But one diocesan priest believes everyone is asking the wrong question. In this powerful essay, he argues that excommunication exists to heal souls—not to silence Catholics defending Tradition—and asks whether those imposing penalties should first examine themselves in light of Canon 1364. Whether readers agree or disagree, this essay offers one of the most provocative priestly responses yet to the Vatican's action against the Society of St. Pius X. What is Excommunication Actually For?Excommunication exists...

Pope Leo’s newspaper publishes article claiming ‘there is no devil,’ original sin in Book of GenesisL'Osservatore Romano published an article by theologian Marinella Perroni claiming Genesis contains no devil and no original sin, arguing that tradition exegesis ‘is reduced to sex.’A new essay in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano examining the Book of Genesis argues that the narrative does not deal primarily with the devil and original sin, in contrast with the traditional interpretation.On July 4, L’Osservatore Romano – the official newspaper of the Holy See – published an article by Italian theologian Marinella Perroni, according to whom in the...