Posted on 12/21/2016 8:32:31 PM PST by marshmallow
December 21, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) -- The saga of the four cardinals dubia and their possible formal correction of Pope Francis over Amoris Laetitia has raised the question of what would happen if a pope obstinately refused to uphold the perennial truths of the faith.
While the leading critics of Amoris Laetitia, including the four cardinals, have been clear that they are not accusing Pope Francis of heresy, many wonder in light of the Churchs teaching on papal infallibility if it is possible for a pope to commit heresy and how it would affect his papal office if he did.
Renowned canon lawyer Dr. Edward Peters recently wrote a blog post on this very question.
According to Peters, who holds the Edmund Cdl. Szoka Chair at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, canonical tradition has dealt with the possibility of a pope falling into personal heresy and promoting such heresy publicly and what should be done if this happens.
Peters notes that while it is true that, as Canon 1404 states, The First See is judged by no one, thus making it impossible for anyone to remove an erring pope from his office, this does not mean that a pope in error retains his office.
Peters quotes an interpretation of Canon 1404 by famous American canon lawyer Lawrence Wrenn to make the point.
Canon 1404 is not a statement of personal impeccability or inerrancy of the Holy Father. Should, indeed, the pope fall into heresy, it is understood that he would lose his office.
(Excerpt) Read more at lifesitenews.com ...
Bump for the discussion.
And then there’s Cannon law tradition where if a Pope Commits formal heresy, Charles Bronson goes after him with a sawed off shotgun. There are other traditions with Chuck Norris and Michael Dudikoff, but they are lesser known.
I don’t know what to say about this pope...there isn’t hardly anyone that really thinks he’s a Pope as he should be...
Canonize him.
Ba dum bum tish!
And what happens if there are enough plants in the college of Cardinals to not only keep this current Pope, but start forcing faithful Christians out of the Church hierarchy?
ROFL!!!
A layman’s definition of formal heresy would be helpful at this point.
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