This is a topic that weighs heavily on my mind and my thoughts on the matter have developed over the past year and even over the past month. This is a discussion I have been having with my self even as others have been loudly having it on the internet.
At the center of that discussion is my friend Michael Voris. As most of you probably know by now, Michael has a blanket policy for himself and his apostolate not to publicly criticize the Pope. He has also taken the additional step of criticizing some others that don’t share his point of view.
There are other people on the internet, who I also respect, that think that papal statements and actions are fair game for public commentary and critique.
For my part, I have been criticized by friend and foe alike for giving air to some of my frustrations and concerns. I take (some of) these criticisms seriously.
I truly appreciate and take to heart Michael’s motivations in implementing his ‘zero tolerance’ policy about public papal criticism. He does not want division in the Church. Division is my main concern as well. (More on that in a moment.)
So I share Michael’s concern and my phone conversation with him on the matter made me further evaluate my own policy on such commentary. I am not a big fan of ‘zero tolerance’ policies and I do think it is possible to respectfully and faithfully critique papal statements and actions, and I have tried to do just that. With that said, I also must admit that some of my own commentary and others’ has likely fallen outside of the respectfully descriptor. That has been giving voice to my frustration rather than faithful and respectful critique.
So is it possible to offer respectful and faithful critique of the Pope? I think so. Is very easy to cross over the line to unfair criticism that cause unnecessary concern and division among the faithful? Yes again, particularly for someone like me who thinks in snark. It is because of this self-understanding that I understand Michael Voris’ policy even if I don’t agree with all his stated reasoning behind it.
So this brings me back to my concern about division. Division, particularly schism, is of paramount concern to me and has been the focus of much of my writing lately. Schism is a most horrible wound on the body of Christ and must be avoided if at all possible. This concern is both about past and the future. It is why I wrote about the reintegration of the SSPX, a post that was widely misunderstood and not just by those who habitually and willfully make a habit of misunderstanding me.
This concern is also why I wrote my recent post about why it is sometimes necessary to speak out (criticize) if only to avoid division that can harden into schism. I firmly believe that sometimes vocalizing criticism is necessary to bring to light excesses that can cause serious and permanent division. Because of this genuine and deep concern, the last thing I ever want to be is a source of division.
So where does this leave me with regard to Papal commentary?
On the one hand, such criticism can easily fall outside the bounds of constructiveness and respectfulness. On the other hand, I firmly believe that sometimes reasonable and vocal public critique is sometimes necessary to preserve unity and orthodoxy. History is replete with instances where the Church would have greatly benefited from greater outcry from the faithful.
While I reject the notion that all papal critique is divisive, I must acknowledge that its fire can be both illuminating and destructive and thus used with appropriate caution. As a result, I have already re-evaluated the nature of what I will comment upon and the speed in which I will do it, saving any criticism for those times it is truly necessary, reasoned, and respectful. I will try not to publicly air any general frustration I feel in my writing.
So while I do not entirely agree with Michael, I thank him for raising these important and real concerns.
March 19, 2014 at 12:05 pm
btw, an idiot could understand Pope Francis message. Stop judging others and look at yourself through Gods eyes. And fix yourself. After all, you don't want to be a condescding hypocrite under Gods eyes.
It's not rocket science. I'm fed up with the arrogant banter.
March 19, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Go ahead and criticize as often as needed, just do so respectfully whenever possible. Real substantive critiques are blessings although they may not seem so at first. Correction is an act of charity and if your confusion and concerns on reading the Pope are authentic then be honest. Politely hiding the truth is Satanic. the Pope is a man and is only infallible under narrow circumstances. Paul corrected Peter – you can criticize the Pope; don't sweat it. Of course it's required that criticism be offered thoughfully and with love. Not easy but sometimes it's necessary to be honest. I have concerns about the Pope and I find it hard to defend some of his statements. Maybe I'm missing context – there's nothing wrong in saying what did you mean by that? The Apostles questioned Christ when they didn't get it – it's OK to speak up.
March 19, 2014 at 1:16 pm
No. If anyone is making something about themselves it's Mundabor.
This guy is so disrespectful, is sounds like a certain monk from Germany, circa 1620
March 19, 2014 at 1:33 pm
I think this could be really simple.
While the Office of the Pope is above criticism, the man occupying it is not. I think one can easily recognize that in terms of teaching on faith and morals, the occupant of the office is protected from making error but at the same time admit that in the day-to-day execution of his duties there are times he probably could use a "Mulligan." And Pope Francis would almost surely admit this. The last point is something for those self-identified people who "get Francis" to consider given the hysteria they display when anyone dare to take issue on matters of style and presentation.
And so what if he makes some mistakes? Doesn't weaken my faith any. In fact, in only strengthens it given the demonstration of God taking imperfect men and using them for His will.
Now on the other hand, if you are going to make a critique in the performance of the Pope, to be blunt, you better damn well understand who are talking about, make it respectful, precise and constructive. No need to go into hysterics at the other extreme.
Bottom line is that I love the Pope, pray of the Pope and he has my support. But I don't put my faith in the man Jorge Bergoglio. It's in the Holy Spirit to keep the office on the right track in spite of us all.
March 19, 2014 at 1:50 pm
That was the great Mario Palmaro RIP who died just over a week ago aged 45, with young children. A very good man who loved God and His Holy Church. Read his last essays on the evil in the Church. They are brilliant. His last book with Gnocchi and another is about to be launched. He is a great example of how faithful Catholics cannot in conscience remain silent when the Pope does things or says things that conflict with the Faith or morals and spread error, endangering many many souls. When a Pope says things in error, he does much greater damage than when another bishop does so.
March 19, 2014 at 1:53 pm
We would be abdicating responsibility to the souls which we could help save, such as our children, our flock (if a priest), etc. the problem is the scandal caused to countless vulnerable souls who are lead astray.
March 19, 2014 at 2:07 pm
We are talking only about things said or done by a Pope that conflicts with the unchangeable deposit of Faith and morals to which we give assent.
March 19, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Are we in a position to judge fairly? Do we know all the facts? Have we been there as witnesses? We know what the media is telling us.
How great is the saying of Jesus, "do not judge." He surely knew it all.
Maybe we should start by judging ourselves first and lead a good exemplary life if we really worry about what others will think of our "Catholic/Christian" behavior starting with kids.
Maybe we should read Jesus words again and think about them, maybe we can learn something.
March 19, 2014 at 2:14 pm
Christ didn't say "do not judge."
March 19, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Is that it? OK. Then I'm paraphrasing Jesus, if that is OK with you.
March 19, 2014 at 2:23 pm
Code of Canon Law (as posted on the Vatican web site) –
under: "Obiligations and Rights of all the Christian Faithful".
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM
" Can 212 §3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church
and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons. "
March 19, 2014 at 2:44 pm
"You judge by appearances but I do not judge anyone."
– Jesus (John 8:15)
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye."
– Jesus (Matthew 7:1-5)
March 19, 2014 at 2:55 pm
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged."
"You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone."
I know human nature. It's fun to judge, to gossip, to snoop, to find out what the other is saying or doing.
Do I need to remind everybody about the clearest example of snooping, the NSA?
Gossiping, snooping, judging…
Why not start with reforming ourselves?
It's LENT. Why not make it a PERSONAL Lent?
If everyone starts by himself or herself and lead a Catholic Life, maybe we can be close to perfection like Jesus wants us to be.
Let's stop the distractions and concentrate of Jesus.
If we imitate Christ, the world and his problems, or should I say, "it's self-created problems" would mean nothing to us because our REAL world is not here but with Jesus.
March 19, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Jesus did not say do not judge.
He said we must take the log out of our own eye first, before taking the splinter out of another's eye; and that we will be judged by the same measure that we use to judge.
He clearly stated we should take the splinter out of our brother's eye.
Mt: 7:1-5
Jesus also said: "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." Jn 7:24
March 19, 2014 at 3:07 pm
If you are perfect and have no sin, then judge.
That is what Jesus is saying and again I'm paraphrasing Him.
Note: Review your second quote.
March 19, 2014 at 3:11 pm
“….. let us ask ourselves if we have actually taken a few steps to get to know Christ and the truths of faith more, by reading and meditating on the Scriptures, studying the Catechism, steadily approaching the Sacraments.” Pope Francis, May 15, 2013.
"What Catholics REALLY Believe SOURCE"
http://whatcatholicsreallybelieve.com/
When there is a conflict between anything in the CCC and a public statement, appropriate and respectful correction is in order.
March 19, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Pope Francis himself has said in the recent past that it has been 'important to him' that he received certain PUBLIC criticisms, 'made with love'.
So if some commentators can offer constructive, respectful, public criticism in that spirit, then OTHER commentators shouldn't be too quick to see disloyalty or disrespect, much less schism or 'soft' sedevanantism in that.
Traditional Catholics are often accused of hypersensitivity or rigidy with regard to supposed infractions of dogma, but that has its counterpart in the hypersensitivity exhibited by other Catholics to even *implied* criticisim of the pope.
March 19, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Do not paraphrase go directly to the Bible.
He said to take the splinter out of our neighbor's eye – AFTER we take the log out of our own.
Mt. 7:5 – "…. first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Never tolerate mortal sin; never condone mortal sin.
March 19, 2014 at 5:40 pm
By their fruits, you shall judge them.
You are selectively cherry picking scripture to "prove" your agenda.
Speaking the truth in love does not preclude working on our own salvation. The two do not contradict but rather are both equal parts of living out our faith
March 19, 2014 at 5:53 pm
If a pope wants to play fast and loose with church doctrine he should expect to be criticized. The only time he wont is when he is simply repeating the received tradition.
Simple solution: less of the man and more of the office of pope.
the Papacy is no place to push personal agendas – just Christ's agenda, which is well known and been firmly established from the beginning – the salvation of souls and the glory of the temple worship.