The four cardinals who last year submitted dubia requesting clarification of Amoris Laetitia have now made public a letter pleading for an audience with Pope Francis.
In a clear sign of frustration with the Pope’s failure to respond to their request for a meeting, Cardinal Carlo Caffarra, one of the four cardinals who submitted the original dubia, has released the text of a letter in which he again requests an audience with the Pontiff. Cardinal Caffarra’s letter was hand-delivered on April 25: eight months after the cardinals’ original request for an audience. Neither message has been answered.
The four cardinals—Caffarra, Raymond Burke, Walter Brandmüller, and Joachim Meisner—wrote to Pope Francis in September, pleading for clarification of Amoris Laetitia and pointing to tensions between the papal document and traditional Catholic teachings on marriage. When the Pope did not respond, the cardinals made public their request for clarification and the text of the dubia they had submitted.
In his April 25 letter, Cardinal Caffarra observes that confusion about the papal document has become increasingly evident and widespread, with different bishops and episcopal conferences issuing conflicting guidelines for the interpretation of Amoris Laetitia. He expresses keen concern that “some objectively ambiguous passages of the post-synodal Exhortation have publicly been given that are not divergent from, but contrary to, the permanent Magisterium of the Church.”
Full story at Catholic Culture.
According to my sources, these four cardinals are actually “dubious” Cardinals. Any reasonably knowledgeable adult understands the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church regarding marriage. The claims that there is widespread confusion is “fake news”.
No Wm, most don’t know the Church’s marriage teachings and still more don’t care. This is why tje pope must provide clarity and uphold all the laws of Our Lord’s Holy Catholic Church. God Bless these cardinals for doing the right thing.
“The claims that there is widespread confusion is “fake news”.” On the contrary, it is demonstrable truth. Chicago’s Cardinal Cupich has come to the opposite interpretation of AL from the bishops of Poland, to take merely one of many examples. Why don’t you tell us your interpretation of AL?
Cardinal Burke, more and more sheep are being led astray by the the wolf in sheeps clothing. Request that Pope Francis retire now.
I like that idea. Since it’s questionable, in my opinion, that a Pope can retire, Francis should step down which would bring Benedict back as Pope. Since the Pope is enfeebled, Benedict could appoint someone to manage the daily affairs of the Vatican.
Steve Seitz: Benedict is not the vice-pope. If Francis steps down, it would leave a sede vacante which would call for a conclave. They would then be free to restore Benedict or choose someone else.
Larry,
Benedict is not Vice Pope. The question is whether Benedict was able to rid himself of the Keys of St. Peter. Although the circumstances were different, the Church dealt with this issue during the Great Western Schism. At that time, since there was a question whether the Pope could renounce the Keys, the Holy See remained vacant several years until the Pope died.
In our case, Benedict placed the Church into new territory after personal reflection and without consulting with a wider body, such as a synod or Council.
If Francis were to step down, the best recommendation is for a conclave to convene and to re-elect Benedict conditionally — much like we do with conditional baptism.
In my opinion, even if he disagrees with the four Cardinals, Francis should at least meet with them, even if not publicized.
Mikem,
I agree, especially since these are cardinals who are suppose to be close advisors who have easy access to the Pope.
I suspect the real reason that Pope Francis does’t meet with them is that he attempted a clever slight-of-hand, got caught, and eventually had to admit, through subordinates, that there was no change in doctrine.
As such, to use his own words, I think he’s now acting like an angry, old spinster.
Evidentally, I am not a reasonably knowledgeable adult, as it is unclear to me what the Catholic Church is currently teaching regarding marriage and divorce. But hey, that’s just me.
Not something to be proud of Vince. Start reading and get yourself educated and you will find there are no “current” teachings, regardless of the nonsense coming from irresponsible papal musings and interpretations.
I don’t know William Robert or recall seeing comments he may have made in earlier posts, but it occurred to me that he may have been parodying the so-called main stream media by imitating one of their favorite tactics, i.e. naming unnamed sources to discredit a target of choice, and then accusing those targets of disseminating fake news. If this is a parody, congrats, he got me. On the other hand if he is in earnest…
His Grace Cardinal Burke will be the man who will save Holy Mother Church, yes Bergoglio may put him in shackles but not for long, Bergoglio knows he is up against the clock to further destroy the Church and Burke will take the Seat of Peter return the TLM to its proper place with the help of the Holy Ghost!
RAug: Burke is not in “shackles.” He can crisscross the US and has even found his way into Guam. Your contention that the Holy Father wants to destroy the Church is not only uncharitable but violates Canon Law. Be warned.
God bless the four “dubia” cardinals!! Many young Catholics today, have little or no Catholic moral and religious training, worldwide– and many are deeply confused!! Likewise– older Catholics who could help and guide them, can likewise get confused– because, for example– what in the world is a “Catholic annulment”– and is this a “mistake,” along the lines of King Henry VIII— or what?? I recall a few older Catholics who got annulments, when they were first allowed– and were nervous and confused— was it really a “big lie,” in God’s eyes?? And the Pope promoting Communion for divorced/remarried, without annulments?? Worse– “gay” marriage?? WHAT?? Makes no sense!!
The Holy Spirit won’t let Pope Francis formally teach error, therefore Francis will not respond to the dubia in a manner that affirms an erroneous interpretation of Amoris Laetitia. As for why Francis doesn’t respond in a manner that affirms interpreting AL consistent with what JPII and BXVI taught as well as consistent with the Church’s universal and constant teaching about marriage and the Eucharist, that is solely on Francis’ conscience; but only sinister reasons would impel Francis not to correct the current disastrous state of affairs that has resulted from contradictory interpretations of AL’s objective (and likely intended) ambiguity.
William, with all charity, my suggestion would be to change your sources.
Time to step up, Big Four. The Pope is going to continue to ignore you because he has no belief in what you are saying. He wants all religious to “smell the sheep” and become one with them, not to enforce hard “rules” about their behavior, especially sexual behavior. Francis is a disaster as Pope, about in the same measure as Hitler was a disaster as German Chancellor. The ruins are already here, and extend everywhere.
Time to stand up, and speak out, in the name of Christ. We do not worship the Pope, but God. And we follow Catholicism, not Latin America’s version of a “social justice” Church.