Answers to some attacks against Pope Francis

Recently a priest who was dismissed by Opus Dei with the approval of Pope Francis, has come up with a four-point attack against the Holy Father. 

His continued attacks, the very reason for his dismissal, have been answered by many erudite people.

Here are their replies:

1. Coexistence laws for homosexuals. Eminent authors, Ryan Anderson and Robert George, wrote that "there is nothing intrinsic to a civil union (a legal fiction created by positive law) that has to conflict with moral reality." They quote Archbishop Cordilione, the bishop who refused communion to Nancy Pelosi, as saying that a civil union will have to "be as inclusive as possible," and can benefit a brother and sister for their mutual support. 

Their article at the Catholic Education Resource Center has a deep analysis of context and theology. 

2. Communion for pro-abortion politicians. Fr. Raymond de Souza, in National Catholic Register, pointed out the words of Pope Francis to put in context what he said during the in-flight interview: "It’s homicide, whoever has an abortion, kills...the Church is so harsh on this issue, because if it accepts this, it is as if it accepts daily murder." He quoted the words of the future Pope Francis in 2010: people who have “devastated the lives of many persons cannot receive Communion.”

Regarding the recent communion of Nancy Pelosi at the Vatican, John Allen, Jr. in Crux clarified: "To be clear, Pelosi did not receive communion directly from Pope Francis, who did not preside over the liturgy due to his ongoing knee issues, but rather restricted himself to delivering the homily. Instead, like everyone else, Pelosi took communion from an unidentified priest assisting at the Mass, who very well may not even have known who she was."

To say that Pope Francis "certainly, consciously and premeditatedly" allowed Nancy Pelosi to receive communion is not just grave slander, but grave rash judgment. 

3. Hysterectomy. The National Catholic Bioethics Center concluded its analysis of the CDF statement, saying: "Nothing contained in the 2018 responsum can be properly understood as modifying previous Church teachings." 

4. Propose continence. An article from Obey the Pope examines the use of the word "propose" in the Church, and quotes St. John Paul II's indication: "On her part, the Church addresses people with full respect for their freedom. Her mission does not restrict freedom but rather promotes it. The Church proposes; she imposes nothing."

The context is the pastoral approach of the bishops of Buenos Aires "instructing priests on the circumstances in which they can propose the commitment to continence. It is implied but not explicitly stated that a priest should not propose the commitment to continence if it is not feasible. ... Nothing in the Buenos Aires guidelines authorizes a priest to propose something other than Church teaching."

Catholics who are confused with some issues raised in the internet may find answers by searching in sites faithful to the Magisterium and have a high level of critical analysis, for example those cited in the links above. The Catholic Education Resource Center (CERC), which you can find here, is especially good. 

It is important not to take part in the spread of attacks and doubts about the teachings of Pope Francis, lest we "become an accomplice of evil"--as the pope himself warned as regards "fake news". He also quoted St. Francis: "Where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity." 

Please continue to pray for the Holy Father and his intentions, so people may understand how the grace of the papacy continues to support Pope Francis in his task of leading the Church founded by Jesus--who chose St. Peter as the Rock on which to build his Church, and as the shepherd who will feed his sheep. (cf Mt 16:18; Jn 21:15-17)

To adhere to this truth, we need faith. As St. Josemaria loves to repeat as regards problematic situations: "It is a matter of faith." 

Related article:  Heretic Francis?  On Amoris Laetitia and the view of Benedict XVI and the teachings of St. Thomas. 

Note: I wrote these in my personal capacity as a theologian and author of Jesus-Centered: Guide to the Happiest Life.