More on the Resignation of Swiss Guards

WATCH: Vatican correspondent @EdwardPentin joins @RaymondArroyo to discuss his breaking news story on Swiss Guards resigning over vaccine mandates... @WorldOverLivehttps://t.co/QLQF2JBvP4

— National Catholic Register (@NCRegister) October 8, 2021

The Third Encyclical

Pope Francis to Sign a New Encyclical on Human Fraternity on Oct. 3 https://t.co/7x28IkUyFW @cnalive

— Edward Pentin (@EdwardPentin) September 5, 2020

@Pontifex's new encyclical needs to heed Benedict XVI: "A brotherhood which embraces everyone in equal manner cannot expect to be taken seriously by anyone." My latest @Church_Militant story. @JZmirak @jihadwatchRS #humanfraternity #CatholicTwitter https://t.co/m8kBQMlPCE

— Dr Jules Gomes (@DrJulesGomes) September 5, 2020

The new encyclical to be released next month, on the universal human family, will invite comparison to the never-promulgated 1939 document Humani Generis Unitas. https://t.co/bOlFaGPft0

— Josh Hochschild (@JoshHochschild) September 5, 2020

John LaFarge, S.J. and The Unity of the Human Race

The Who Report?

No Word on McCarrick Report as Second Anniversary of His Removal Passes Quietly https://t.co/lm5HVFL0pa @NCRegister

— Edward Pentin (@EdwardPentin) June 19, 2020

A Vaticanista Book

.#COMINGSOON "The Next Pope: The Leading Cardinal Candidates" by @EdwardPentin

Details: https://t.co/pw3u0sZnbQ#papacy #Catholicism #CatholicChurch #Cardinals pic.twitter.com/JzYWHAMucy

— SophiaInsPress (@SophiaInsPress) June 3, 2020

Sophia Institute Press

Pentin Interview with Seewald

"I was also unaware that Ratzinger’s role in the Second Vatican Council isn't marginal but enormously significant. He himself always played it down, but alongside Cardinal [Josef] Frings, he was basically the definitive Vatican spin doctor" — Peter Seewald https://t.co/aOyYn1FFsB

— Edward Pentin (@EdwardPentin) May 28, 2020

Peter Seewald’s ‘Spiritual and Historical Journey’ With the Pope Emeritus https://t.co/aOyYn1FFsB #BenedictXVI #PopeEmeritus @NCRegister

— Edward Pentin (@EdwardPentin) May 28, 2020

NCReg

You mention that relations between Benedict and Pope Francis are good, but there are some Catholics who wish that Benedict had not resigned, who contend that he would never agree with some of the decisions of this pontificate. What do you say to this view?

The former and the current pope have different temperaments, different charismas, and they each have their own way of exercising the office. We see from the popes of previous centuries that a more intellectual pontiff is usually followed by a more emotional one. That was never a disadvantage. Undoubtedly, there can be different views between Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. But that does not matter. The pope is the pope.

Ratzinger promised obedience to his successor before he even knew who would follow in his footsteps, and he has been scrupulously careful all these years to first of all ensure that no accusation of interference could arise. Many of the later questions I asked him, for example, he refused to answer. One answer, he said, would “inevitably constitute interference in the work of the present Pope. Anything that goes in that direction I must, and wish to, avoid.” Moreover, in my book he literally says: “The personal friendship with Pope Francis has not only remained, but has grown.”

Understandably, besides his loyalty and obedience, Ratzinger would never openly rebuke or question Bergoglio because of the confusion and scandal that would result.

The problem, though, is not this actually happening, but the ultramontanist monarchical conceptions of the papacy that would make such an act scandalous.

Edward Pentin Interviews Cardinal Sarah

NCReg: Cardinal Sarah: The Priesthood Today ‘Is in Mortal Danger’
In an exclusive English-language interview, the African cardinal discusses his new book, the status of the Catholic priesthood, and addresses those who say he opposes Pope Francis.
Edward Pentin

(via Fr. Z)

But what about exceptions to the law of celibacy that already exist, for example in the Eastern Catholic rites or the Anglican Ordinariate?

An exception is transitory by definition and constitutes a parenthesis in the normal and natural state of things. This was the case of Anglican pastors returning to full communion. But the lack of a priest is not an exception. It is the normal state of any nascent Church, as in the Amazon, or dying Churches, as in the West. Jesus warned us: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” The ordination of married men in young Christian communities would prohibit the raising of vocations of unmarried priests. The exception would become a permanent state. A weakening of the principle of celibacy, even if limited to one region, would not be an exception, but a breach, a wound in the internal coherence of the priesthood. On the other hand, the dignity and greatness of marriage is increasingly better understood. As Benedict XVI points out in this book, these two states are not compatible because they both demand an absolute and total gift.

In the East, some churches have married clergy. I do not in any way question the personal holiness of these priests. But such a situation is only livable because of the massive presence of monks. Moreover, from the point of view of the sign given to the whole Church by the priesthood, there is a risk of confusion. If a priest is married, then he has a private life, a conjugal and family life. He must make time for his wife and children. He is unable to show, by his whole life, that he is totally and absolutely given to God and the Church. St. John Paul II stated it very clearly: The Church wants to be loved by her priests with the very love with which Jesus loved her, that is to say, with an exclusive spouse’s love. It is important, the saintly Polish pope said, that priests understand the theological motivation of their celibacy. He said: “Priestly celibacy should not be considered just as a legal norm or as a totally external condition for admission to ordination, but rather as a value that is profoundly connected with ordination, whereby a man takes on the likeness of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd and Spouse of the Church” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, 50). This is what we wanted to recall with Benedict XVI. The true foundation of celibacy is not juridical, disciplinary or practical; it is theocentric. On this subject I refer you to the extraordinary speech of Benedict XVI to the Roman Curia on Dec. 22, 2006. Celibacy for God is an absurdity in the eyes of the secularized and atheistic world. Celibacy is a scandal for the contemporary mind. It shows that God is a reality. If the life of priests does not concretely show that God is enough to make us happy and to give meaning to our existence, then who will proclaim him? More than ever our societies need celibacy because they need God.

Machinations in Germany

NCReg: German ‘Synodal Path’ Aims to Shape Vatican Decisions, Says Plan’s Architect by Edward Pentin
‘We believe it is unacceptable that all issues decided in Rome, now and in the future, should be taken largely without the participation of the ...

CWR Dispatch: Analysis: Pope Francis and the Germans by Ed Condon for CNA

World Over Discussion of That Book

More on "THE Book"

Edward Pentin: Unpacking the Benedict XVI-Cardinal Sarah Book Fiasco
The book’s rollout caused a backlash against Benedict appearing as co-author of the book, even though it appears the Pope Emeritus had given at least tacit prior approval for the full manuscript.
Edward Pentin

Fr. Z: Summary of FACTS about the controversial new book by BOTH Card. Sarah and Benedict XVI
Rorate Caeli: Socci: The Backstory: here is what went on behind the scenes. The rage of the despot against the Catholic Pope
Sandro Magister: More From the Bombshell Book of Ratzinger and Sarah. A Little Anthology on Celibacy
First Things: Sex, Celibacy, and the Latest Curiosity From Rome by Francis X. Maier

Cardinal Gerhard Muller: ‘True Reform of the Church Is About Her Renewal in Christ’

NCReg (via Fr. Z)

More on the Summit

NCReg: Day 2 Abuse Summit Discussions Focus on Accountability by Edward Pentin

On Final Day of Discussions, Abuse Summit Highlights Transparency by Edward Pentin

Pope Francis’ Concluding Address to Participants of Vatican Summit on Child Protection by Edward Pentin
‘The time has come to work together to eradicate this evil from the body of our humanity by adopting every necessary measure already in force on the international level and ecclesial levels.’



Related:
Pope Francis Outlines 8-Point Plan for ‘All-Out Battle’ Against Sexual Abuse by Courtney Grogan/CNA

Edward Pentin Collects Some Responses

On the "It's not theology, it's diplomacy, or something" document. By what authority does the bishop of Rome have to make such a statement, with a representative of Islam?

Confusion in the patriarchate of Rome:

NCReg: Does the New Catholic-Muslim Declaration Deviate From Catholic Teaching? by Edward Pentin
The document’s statement that ‘diversity of religions’ is ‘willed by God’ has generated controversy.

Believe it or not.

CNA Vatican: Abuse summit to help bishops know ‘what they need to do’

NCReg: Vatican Sets Course for February Abuse Summit by Edward Pentin
The meeting’s goal is to ensure bishops ‘clearly understand what they need to do to prevent and combat the worldwide problem of the sexual abuse of minors,’ a Vatican statement communicated.

Related: NCReg: Chilean Bishops Brief Pope Francis on Clergy Sexual Abuse
The heads of the country's bishops conference have a ‘very fraternal, interesting and fruitful meeting’ ahead of February's summit on protection of minors.
Edward Pentin

CNA: Vigano to McCarrick: Repent, for the sake of your soul

Edward Pentin

More on PCED

NCReg: Farewell Pontifical Commission ‘Ecclesia Dei’? by Edward Pentin
The Vatican body aimed at keeping traditional Catholics united with the Successor of Peter looks likely to be suppressed, but sources suggest it could actually be a positive development.

How much time on this earth?

Benedict XVI looks more and more fragile with every public photo.





Edward Pentin post

And who will lead this charge?

NCReg: Pope’s Homosexuality Comments Could Encourage Discussion at Abuse Summit by Edward Pentin
The issue has so far been avoided by those preparing for the event, but now is highlighted in the wake of Francis’ recent forceful remarks about the problem.

NCReg: Archbishop Viganò Addresses Dispute With Brother Over Family Inheritance by Edward Pentin
In a statement issued through his lawyers, the former apostolic nuncio to the United States and recent whistleblower calls reports accusing him of “fraud,” “theft” or misappropriation of funds “unfounded.”

NCReg: Synod Reflections From Down Under: Interview With Archbishop Anthony Fisher by Edward Pentin
Dominican archbishop praises the will of those involved to bring young people closer to Christ and his Church, the general mood of the meeting, and the contributions of the young auditors.

NCReg: Youth Synod Final Document: Five Areas of Concern by Edward Pentin