Posted on 01/22/2009 6:18:16 PM PST by Coleus
According to multiple reports from reliable Vatican-watchers, Pope Benedict XVI will soon lift the decree of excommunication imposed upon four traditionalist bishops who were consecrated by the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1988. Italian journalists report that the Pope's action will be made public within a matter of days. The move would be a major step toward reconciliation with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX).
SSPX leaders-- including the bishops living under the decree of excommunication-- have consistently stated that before ending their break with the Holy See, they would insist on the removal of that excommunication and the right of every Catholic priest to celebrate the Mass using the traditional rite. With the publication of Summorum Pontificum in 2007, Pope Benedict fulfilled the latter condition; lifting the excommunication would satisfy the former SSPX demand. Still to be resolved, however, would be the serious disagreements over the authority and interpretation of Vatican II documents.
The Rorate Caeli blog is carefully following the latest reports, from Rome and elsewhere, on the Pope's reported plan.
Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.
Freep-mail me to get on or off my pro-life and Catholic List:
Please ping me to note-worthy Pro-Life or Catholic threads, or other threads of interest.
Obama Says A Baby Is A Punishment
Obama: “If they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby.”
So what does this mean?
Are these 4 bishops still Bishops in the eyes of the Catholic Churh?
yes they have always been bishops, but excommunicated since a Vatican decree in July 1988. they will always be bishops
may it finally happen, that these penalties, excessive and unjust be removed
bumpus ad summum
Amen.
Well, this is going to make some heads explode!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.