Whatever else is a legacy of this dismal pontificate, Pope Francis wants his betrayal of faithful Chinese Catholics to be part of it. By this move he is attempting to bind the hands of his successor. Completely despicable and completely predictable.
PopeWatch: Four More Years
- Donald R. McClarey
Donald R. McClarey
Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 43 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.
But his successor can rip it up. There is no doctrine that “binds” any Vatican agreement with any political affiliation. The Catholic Church is not a political party. Francis may personally sign this agreement with Communist China, but his successor has no obligation to see it through beyond Francis death. Not gonna happen.
St. Pope JP 2 showed the power of God in Trust when he was Archbishop of Krakow during Polands communist days.
I’m sorry…but all I see is weakness from Frank.
My initial reaction is the same as most. Yet on reflection I think that God must be allowing this for a reason; one that, over time, will work out to the good. Perhaps this is the only way that the Faith will ever even begin to take root in China; a planting of small seeds if you will. One day, God willing, they will grow into an oak.That can be our prayer. God’s will be done.
Ezabelle- God may have other plans, but I think the probability that a successor to Francis will be ripping anything up is exceedingly low.
IF we get a better man, which is by no means assured, he will likely hold fast to the increasingly implausible fig leaf of “continuity.” IF he has the courage to counteract some of the current stupidity, he will likely do so by decrees which claim to be continuing the work of his predecessor, even if they are in fact repairing damage.
Would I like to see a Jesus vs the money changers pope? Yes. Do I think it at all likely? No.
TBO – I respectfully disagree. There is no guarantee of the odds stacked against the Faithful in the Church Christ instituted. Lots of aging Cardinals…with no loyalty beyond their own comfort…
This principle of explanation applies to this agreement and to do much of what has been done for some decades by those now controlling the papacy: follow the money. In this case the yuan. Guy,Texas