http://www.lanuovabq.it/it/burke-correggere-il-papa-per-obbedire-a-cristo
There are those who charge of disobedience all who have expressed doubts, questions and criticism of the work of the Pope, but "correction of confusion or error is not an act of disobedience, but an act of obedience to Christ and thus to his vicar on Earth." So the cardinal Raymond Leo Burke in this interview with the new BQ, on the eve of a major conference that there will be in Rome on Saturday 7 April on "where is the Church."
There are those who charge of disobedience all who have expressed doubts, questions and criticism of the work of the Pope, but "correction of confusion or error is not an act of disobedience, but an act of obedience to Christ and thus to his vicar on Earth." So says Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke in this interview with the new BQ, on the eve of a major conference that there will be in Rome on Saturday 7 April on the theme "where is the Church" (click here), whose cardinal Burke will be one of the speakers. The Conference in Rome will take place in the memory of Cardinal Carlo Caffarra, who died last September, one of the signers of the Dubia. As you recall these 5 questions to Pope Francis times to have a clear statement of continuity with the previous Magisterium following the confusion created by the different and sometimes opposing interpretations of the post synodal Apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia. Those Dubia, whose cardinal Burke is a signatory, never has been answered nor Pope Francis has never responded to repeated request for a hearing by the Cardinals signatories.
Your eminence, you will be one of the main speakers at the meeting of 7 April, which is the name of cardinal Caffarra you will query on the direction of the Church. Already from the title of the Conference is perceived concern for the direction taken. What are the reasons for this concern?
The confusion and Division in the Church, on the core issues and most important – marriage and family, the sacraments and the right to access it, intrinsically evil acts, eternal life and the new ones – are becoming increasingly spread. And the Pope not only refuses to clarify things with the announcement of the constant doctrine and healthy church discipline, a responsibility that is inherent to his Ministry as the successor of St. Peter but also increases the confusion.
The confusion and Division in the Church, on the core issues and most important – marriage and family, the sacraments and the right to access it, intrinsically evil acts, eternal life and the new ones – are becoming increasingly spread. And the Pope not only refuses to clarify things with the announcement of the constant doctrine and healthy church discipline, a responsibility that is inherent to his Ministry as the successor of St. Peter but also increases the confusion.
It also refers to the proliferation of private statements that are reported by those who meet him?
What happened with the last interview with Eugenio Scalfari during Holy week and made public on Holy Thursday went beyond the tolerable. That a well-known atheist claims to announce a revolution in the teaching of the Catholic Church, claiming to speak in the name of the Pope, denying the immortality of the human soul and the existence of hell, has been a source of profound scandal not only for many Catholics but also for so many lay people who have respect for the Catholic Church and its teachings, even if you don't share them. Besides Holy Thursday is one of the holiest days of the year, the day on which the Lord instituted the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist and the priesthood, that he may offer us always the fruit of his redemptive passion and death for our salvation eternal. Also, the response of the Holy see are shocked reactions from around the world, was inadequate. Rather than announce the truth about the immortality of the human soul and clearly over hell, in denial it says only that certain words quoted are not the Pope. It does not say that the erroneous ideas, even heretical, expressed by these words are not shared by the Pope and the Pope rejects such ideas which are contrary to the Catholic faith. This play with faith and doctrine, at the highest level of the Church, rightly leave pastors and faithful scandalized.
What happened with the last interview with Eugenio Scalfari during Holy week and made public on Holy Thursday went beyond the tolerable. That a well-known atheist claims to announce a revolution in the teaching of the Catholic Church, claiming to speak in the name of the Pope, denying the immortality of the human soul and the existence of hell, has been a source of profound scandal not only for many Catholics but also for so many lay people who have respect for the Catholic Church and its teachings, even if you don't share them. Besides Holy Thursday is one of the holiest days of the year, the day on which the Lord instituted the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist and the priesthood, that he may offer us always the fruit of his redemptive passion and death for our salvation eternal. Also, the response of the Holy see are shocked reactions from around the world, was inadequate. Rather than announce the truth about the immortality of the human soul and clearly over hell, in denial it says only that certain words quoted are not the Pope. It does not say that the erroneous ideas, even heretical, expressed by these words are not shared by the Pope and the Pope rejects such ideas which are contrary to the Catholic faith. This play with faith and doctrine, at the highest level of the Church, rightly leave pastors and faithful scandalized.
If these things are very serious, and a source of embarrassment, but the silence amazes many pastors.
Of course, the situation is further compounded by the silence of many bishops and Cardinals who share with the Roman Pontiff the concern for the universal Church. Some are simply shut up. Others say that there is nothing serious. Still others spread fantasies of a new Church, a church that takes a totally different direction from the past, fantasizing for example of a "new paradigm" for the Church or a radical conversion of the Church's pastoral practice, making it completely new. Then there are those who are enthusiastic promoters of the so-called revolution in the Catholic Church. For the faithful who understand the seriousness of the situation, the lack of doctrinal and disciplinary direction from their pastors leaves them lost. For the faithful who do not understand the gravity of the situation, this lack leaves them in confusion and possibly victims of malicious errors to their souls. Many who have entered into full communion with the Catholic Church, being baptized in a Protestant ecclesial communion, because their ecclesial communities have abandoned the Apostolic faith, suffering intensely the situation: perceiving that The Catholic Church is going in the same street of the abandonment of the faith.
Of course, the situation is further compounded by the silence of many bishops and Cardinals who share with the Roman Pontiff the concern for the universal Church. Some are simply shut up. Others say that there is nothing serious. Still others spread fantasies of a new Church, a church that takes a totally different direction from the past, fantasizing for example of a "new paradigm" for the Church or a radical conversion of the Church's pastoral practice, making it completely new. Then there are those who are enthusiastic promoters of the so-called revolution in the Catholic Church. For the faithful who understand the seriousness of the situation, the lack of doctrinal and disciplinary direction from their pastors leaves them lost. For the faithful who do not understand the gravity of the situation, this lack leaves them in confusion and possibly victims of malicious errors to their souls. Many who have entered into full communion with the Catholic Church, being baptized in a Protestant ecclesial communion, because their ecclesial communities have abandoned the Apostolic faith, suffering intensely the situation: perceiving that The Catholic Church is going in the same street of the abandonment of the faith.
What she paints is an apocalyptic situation ...
This situation leads me to reflect more and more on the message of our Lady of Fatima who warns us of evil-even more serious of serious ills suffered due to the spread of atheistic communism-what is apostasy from the faith in the Church. The # 675 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "[p] rhyme of the coming of Christ, the Church must go through a final round that will shake the faith of many believers," and that "[t] he persecution that accompanies his [the Church] pilgrimage on Earth will unveil the "mystery of iniquity" in the form of a religious deception offering men an apparent solution to their problems, at the price of apostasy from the truth ".
This situation leads me to reflect more and more on the message of our Lady of Fatima who warns us of evil-even more serious of serious ills suffered due to the spread of atheistic communism-what is apostasy from the faith in the Church. The # 675 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "[p] rhyme of the coming of Christ, the Church must go through a final round that will shake the faith of many believers," and that "[t] he persecution that accompanies his [the Church] pilgrimage on Earth will unveil the "mystery of iniquity" in the form of a religious deception offering men an apparent solution to their problems, at the price of apostasy from the truth ".
In such a situation the bishops and Cardinals have a duty to proclaim the true doctrine. At the same time must lead the faithful to make reparation for the offences to Christ and the wounds inflicted to his mystical body, the Church, when faith and discipline are not appropriately safeguarded and promoted by shepherds. The great canonist of the thirteenth century, Enrico da Susa or Ostiense, confronting the difficult question of how to fix a Roman Pontiff that would act in a way contrary to his Office, says that the College of Cardinals is a de facto control against error.
Undoubtedly, today's much-discussed the figure of Francis. You switch easily from the uncritical glorification of anything he faces ruthless criticism of every ambiguous gesture. But somehow the problem of how to relate to the Pope goes for every Pope. So some things need to be clarified. Meanwhile, what is the Pope for the Church?
According to the constant teaching of the Church, the Pope, for the express will of Christ, is "the perpetual and visible source and Foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful" (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of the Council Vatican II, # 23). Is the essential service of the Pope to safeguard and promote the deposit of faith, the true doctrine and sound discipline consistent with the truths believed. In the interview cited with Eugenio Scalfari, referring to the Pope as "revolutionary" compliant. But the Petrine Office has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with the revolution. In contrast, exists solely for the preservation and propagation of the Catholic faith unchangeable leading souls to the conversion of heart and lead all mankind to unity based on the order in writing by God in his creation and especially in the heart of man, the only earthly creature made in the image of God. Is the order that Christ has restored to the Paschal mystery we are celebrating these days. The grace of redemption that emanates from his glorious pierced heart in the Church, in the hearts of its members, gives the strength to live according to this order, that is in communion with God and neighbour.
According to the constant teaching of the Church, the Pope, for the express will of Christ, is "the perpetual and visible source and Foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful" (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of the Council Vatican II, # 23). Is the essential service of the Pope to safeguard and promote the deposit of faith, the true doctrine and sound discipline consistent with the truths believed. In the interview cited with Eugenio Scalfari, referring to the Pope as "revolutionary" compliant. But the Petrine Office has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with the revolution. In contrast, exists solely for the preservation and propagation of the Catholic faith unchangeable leading souls to the conversion of heart and lead all mankind to unity based on the order in writing by God in his creation and especially in the heart of man, the only earthly creature made in the image of God. Is the order that Christ has restored to the Paschal mystery we are celebrating these days. The grace of redemption that emanates from his glorious pierced heart in the Church, in the hearts of its members, gives the strength to live according to this order, that is in communion with God and neighbour.
Surely the Pope is not an absolute ruler, yet today is very perceived in this way. "If the Pope says ..." is the common way to truncate any question or doubt on some claims. Is there some sort of papolatria. How would you respond?
The notion of the fullness of the power of the Roman Pontiff has been clearly set out already by Pope Saint Leo the great. The medieval canonists have contributed greatly to the development of the power inherent in the Petrine Office. Their contribution remains valid and important. The concept is very simple. The Pope, for the divine, enjoys all the power necessary to safeguard and promote the true faith, the true divine worship, and healthy demand discipline. This power belongs not to him but to his Office as the successor of Saint Peter. In the past, most of the time, the Popes have not made public their personal acts or their opinions, just to avoid the risk that the faithful are confused about what she does and thinks the successor of Saint Peter. Currently, there is a risky and even harmful confusion of the person of the Pope with his Office resulting in the darkening of the Petrine Office and into a worldly and political concept of the service of the Roman pontiff in the Church. The Church exists for the salvation of souls. Any act of a Pope that undermines the Mission of Christ in the Church, is an act heresy or is a sinful Act in itself, it is simply empty from the perspective of the Petrine Office. So even though it clearly bears very grave damage to the faithful, does not command the obedience of pastors and faithful. We always have to distinguish the body of the man who is the Roman Pontiff from the body of the Roman Pontiff, the man who exercises the Office of St. Peter in the Church. Don't make the distinction means papolatria and ends with the loss of faith in the Petrine Office divinely founded and supported.
The notion of the fullness of the power of the Roman Pontiff has been clearly set out already by Pope Saint Leo the great. The medieval canonists have contributed greatly to the development of the power inherent in the Petrine Office. Their contribution remains valid and important. The concept is very simple. The Pope, for the divine, enjoys all the power necessary to safeguard and promote the true faith, the true divine worship, and healthy demand discipline. This power belongs not to him but to his Office as the successor of Saint Peter. In the past, most of the time, the Popes have not made public their personal acts or their opinions, just to avoid the risk that the faithful are confused about what she does and thinks the successor of Saint Peter. Currently, there is a risky and even harmful confusion of the person of the Pope with his Office resulting in the darkening of the Petrine Office and into a worldly and political concept of the service of the Roman pontiff in the Church. The Church exists for the salvation of souls. Any act of a Pope that undermines the Mission of Christ in the Church, is an act heresy or is a sinful Act in itself, it is simply empty from the perspective of the Petrine Office. So even though it clearly bears very grave damage to the faithful, does not command the obedience of pastors and faithful. We always have to distinguish the body of the man who is the Roman Pontiff from the body of the Roman Pontiff, the man who exercises the Office of St. Peter in the Church. Don't make the distinction means papolatria and ends with the loss of faith in the Petrine Office divinely founded and supported.
In the relationship with the Pope in what a Catholic must take fuller?
The Catholic must always adhere to, absolutely, the Petrine Office as an essential part of the establishment of the Church from Christ. The moment in which the Catholic no longer complies with the Office of the Pope placed itself or schism or apostasy from the faith. At the same time, the Catholic must respect the man in charge with the Office which means attention to his teaching and pastoral leadership. This also includes the duty to express to the Pope the judgement of a properly formed conscience, when he diverts or seems to deviate from the true doctrine and healthy discipline or abandon the responsibilities of his Office. Natural law, to the Gospels, and the Church's constant tradition govern, the faithful are obliged to express to their pastors their concern for the State of the Church. Have this duty to which it is entitled to receive a reply from their pastors.
The Catholic must always adhere to, absolutely, the Petrine Office as an essential part of the establishment of the Church from Christ. The moment in which the Catholic no longer complies with the Office of the Pope placed itself or schism or apostasy from the faith. At the same time, the Catholic must respect the man in charge with the Office which means attention to his teaching and pastoral leadership. This also includes the duty to express to the Pope the judgement of a properly formed conscience, when he diverts or seems to deviate from the true doctrine and healthy discipline or abandon the responsibilities of his Office. Natural law, to the Gospels, and the Church's constant tradition govern, the faithful are obliged to express to their pastors their concern for the State of the Church. Have this duty to which it is entitled to receive a reply from their pastors.
Then you can criticize the Pope? And under what conditions?
If the Pope does not fulfill his Office for the benefit of all souls, it is not only possible but also necessary to criticize the Pope. This criticism must follow the teaching of Christ on fraternal correction in the Gospel (Mt 18, 15-18). First, the faithful or pastor should express his criticism in a private way, which will allow the Pope to correct themselves. But if the Pope refuses to correct his way to teach or act seriously missing, the criticism should be made public, because it has to do with the common good in the Church and in the world. Some have criticized those who have publicly expressed criticism of the Pope as a sign of rebellion or disobedience, but inquire – with due respect for his Office-the correction of confusion or error is not an act of disobedience, but an Act of obedience to Christ and thus to his vicar on Earth.
If the Pope does not fulfill his Office for the benefit of all souls, it is not only possible but also necessary to criticize the Pope. This criticism must follow the teaching of Christ on fraternal correction in the Gospel (Mt 18, 15-18). First, the faithful or pastor should express his criticism in a private way, which will allow the Pope to correct themselves. But if the Pope refuses to correct his way to teach or act seriously missing, the criticism should be made public, because it has to do with the common good in the Church and in the world. Some have criticized those who have publicly expressed criticism of the Pope as a sign of rebellion or disobedience, but inquire – with due respect for his Office-the correction of confusion or error is not an act of disobedience, but an Act of obedience to Christ and thus to his vicar on Earth.