
VATICAN CITY — Since Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) was published last April, bishops around the world have interpreted the document differently.
This is especially true of its most contentious passages in Chapter 8, dealing with whether to admit some remarried divorcees, living in an objective state of adultery, to the sacraments.
Some bishops’ conferences, such as in Malta and Germany, have interpreted it as loosely allowing such Catholics to the sacraments without a clear amendment of life, while other ordinaries, such as the Canadian bishops of Alberta, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia and Bishop Steven Lopes of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter in the United States, have interpreted it strictly in continuity with the magisterium of past popes, most notably Pope St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
To help provide a definitive interpretation in continuity with the Church’s teaching and Tradition, three professors of the Pope St. John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Rome — Father Jose Granados, Stephan Kampowski and Father Juan Jose Perez-Soba — have written a handbook for bishops, priests and laity.
The handbook, called a “vademecum,” is entitled Accompanying, Discerning, Integrating: A Handbook for the Pastoral Care of the Family According to Amoris Laetitia.
In this April 12 email interview with the Register, Kampowski explains how the authors hope their work will provide a definitive interpretation of Chapter 8 in continuity with the Church’s magisterium and Tradition.
He also discusses the depth of concern about the different readings, how allowing some divorced and remarried to receive Communion without commitment to an amendment of life introduces “a chasm between life and liturgy,” and how their handbook could unintentionally offer a solution to the dubia — questions four cardinals have addressed to the Pope aimed at ending the confusion over differing interpretations of the contentious chapter.
How does the vademecum help in practical ways to remove some of the confusing interpretations of Amoris Laetitia?
By making use of a hermeneutics of continuity and coherence, we show that it is plausible and legitimate to read the difficult and controversial passages of Amoris Laetitia in the light of the previous ecclesial magisterium, in the light of the synods, and in the light of the overall message of the document itself.
What documents or methods do you draw on to be able to read the document with the proper hermeneutics for reading ecclesial texts in continuity?
The method we use for interpreting Amoris Laetitia is that of a hermeneutic of coherence. In the case at hand, this coherence is threefold. There is, first of all, the hermeneutic principle of internal coherence. Passages that are not clear or that lend themselves to several kinds of readings should be read in a way that is consistent with other passages in the same text that are clear. This principle applies to documents of any kind whatsoever.
An interpretation of difficult passages that allows for a coherent reading of a document is more plausible and requires less justification than a reading that posits an internal contradiction in the text.
Now, Pope Francis is very clear in Amoris Laetitia that he wishes for a “pastoral care of engaged and married couples” that is “centered on the marriage bond” (211).
In Chapter 4, he speaks of love in marriage as a love that endures all things and that is lifelong (118-125). An interpretation of some of the more difficult passages in Chapter 8 that makes light of the marriage bond is clearly inconsistent with the rest of Amoris Laetitia and is thus implausible already from the point of view of general hermeneutics.
There is still another kind of coherence that serves as a guide for interpreting ecclesial documents in particular: Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit guides the Church along the ages in the understanding of the revelation that God has given us once and for all in Jesus Christ.
While there is growth in understanding, no new revelation is to be expected. Jesus is the definitive Word of God. A particular ministry in the Church for the authentic interpretation of God’s revelation is the magisterium, which Catholics believe is guided by the Holy Spirit when it wants to settle disputed questions concerning faith and morals.
Now, the Holy Spirit does not contradict himself. Therefore, a hermeneutic of continuity is the only legitimate one for interpreting magisterial texts. A manner of reading the difficult passages of Chapter 8 that clearly contradicts the previous magisterium — in particular, with respect to the concrete practice, John Paul II’s Familiaris Consortio and Benedict XVI’s Sacramentum Caritatis, but also, with respect to some of the premises, the Council of Trent (it is possible, with the grace of God, to keep God’s commandments) and the Second Vatican Council (all are called to holiness) — is not simply implausible but, theologically speaking, illegitimate.
A third kind of coherence that serves to interpret Amoris Laetitia is peculiar to it as a post-synodal apostolic exhortation, which aims at taking up the results of the two synods of bishops that preceded it. The synods nowhere speak of Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried. They nowhere suggest bracketing the marriage bond as pertaining to an abstract level of “doctrine,” and being of such unimportance for the concrete life of the faithful, nor did they suggest one could separate life from liturgy. Hence, interpretations of Chapter 8 of Amoris Laetitia that amount to such claims are implausible because they were not foreseen by the synods on which Amoris Laetitia is based.
How deep is the concern over the varying interpretations, and how much do you think the vademecum will put a definitive end to the confusion?
The concern is deep. One must remember that any interpretation of Amoris Laetitia that suggests that the divorced in a new union could approach the sacraments without first taking on the commitment to change their objective way of life (by separating, or by living like brother and sister), introduces a chasm between life and liturgy, between ethos and sacrament, putting into question not only marriage as an objective reality of the Church, but the very sacramentality of the Church herself.
To what extent do you foresee bishops’ conferences around the world using your interpretation as the definitive one?
So far, we have received some very positive feedback from some individual bishops who have referenced our book in their pastoral directives. Our text has met with great interest from many countries, to the point that the Italian, Spanish, English, German and Czech versions have already been published. The French, Portuguese, Croat and Romanian translations are on their way.
I have great confidence that whoever reads our interpretation will concur that it is plausible and legitimate.
Do you plan on doing any follow-up publications?
All of us three authors will remain involved in the current public debate. At the moment, we are not working together on another common publication, but each of us will continue to publish in his respective field of sacramental or pastoral theology and philosophical anthropology.
Does the handbook provide a solution to the dubia?
Yes, I’d say it does provide a solution to the dubia, by offering a reading of Amoris Laetitia’s Chapter 8 that is coherent with the Tradition, the previous magisterium, the synods and the other chapters of the document.
Evidently, though, the book wasn’t thought of as a response to the dubia. Only the Pope can respond to them, since the questions are addressed to him, asking him what he intended by certain affirmations. We are just giving our interpretation as a legitimate and coherent one, though, of course, we are aware that there are other ways of reading the text, ways that would break with the Tradition, the previous magisterium, the synods and the other chapters of the text.
The dubia are justified, given the various dissonant interpretations, which are an undeniable matter of fact. Things are not at all crystal clear. But our way of reading is a plausible one — in fact, the only one if one admits that the proper hermeneutics for reading ecclesial texts is one of continuity.
Edward Pentin is the Register’s Rome correspondent.
This example confirms the confusion which Pope Francis exudes.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/blogs/andrew-bolt/confused-pope-refugee-camps-are-concentration-camps/news-story/f30c65727994bcaee5000880810220e4
CONFUSED POPE: REFUGEE CAMPS ARE “CONCENTRATION” CAMPS
Andrew Bolt, Herald Sun
April 23, 2017 7:52am
The Pope really is a fool if he cannot tell the difference between a Nazi concentration camp and a refugee camp.
Propaganda gold for Islamists:
Pope Francis urged governments on Saturday to get migrants and refugees out of holding centers, saying many had become “concentration camps”...
“I don’t know if he managed to leave that concentration camp, because refugee camps, many of them, are of concentration (type) because of the great number of people left there inside them,” the pope said.
The Pope is also deeply confused, referring to illegal immigrants as “migrants” and claiming that Italy can be saved from suicide if it imports hundreds of thousands more people bringing with them a culture that is definitely not Italy’s:
Noting that Italy had one of the world’s lowest birth rates, he said: “If we also close the door to migrants, this is called suicide.”
I went back to the Vatican.va Web page and pulled up “Amorous Laetitiae” (English!) I skimmed through it; it looks like the “Numbers” I saw a major problem with have been removed…. Nonetheless, it still says that Annulment Cases no longer have to be sent to Rome. It says that each Bishop in his Diocese can handle the Annulment Requests that come in….Can you imagine WHAT that will be like?!? ....Well, if you don’t like your Bishop’s “decision,” just move to another Diocese—-at least temporarily!
The problem with “Catholic Reporters” is that NOT all “Catholic Reporters” necessarily KNOW what the “Catholic Church” teaches in all areas of “Faith and Morals” AND a “reporter” normally give his/her “view” on what someone else said—-or wrote—-including the Pope! Also, re. the writings of POPES: in general, I gather that most Popes ask a “Papal Theologian” to write a draft document on a specific topic FOR them and, then, (hopefully) the Pope reads it BEFORE he signs it…! Pope Benedict XVI was of a different caliber: he was/is a very gifted “Catholic” theologian and wrote prolifically BEFORE he was made Pope. I can’t recall whether or not he wrote a document during his short Papacy. One can look into that on the Vatican Web Page—-(Google: Vatican.va) There, you can find/read whatever documents a Pope at least SIGNED during his Papacy.
I am very disappointed that Ed Pentin has not addressed the errors contained in Amoris Laetitia but reported on A Handbook for Faithfully Interpreting Amoris Laetitia as though this was possible.
A document that has drawn so many objections from hundreds of clergy and pro-life groups should have been thoroughly scrutinized instead of being glossed over as though it was legitimate.
Pentin’s reporting on the hijacking of the synods in his book “Rigging of the Synod” was excellent - this is the kind of reporting we need to see more of - an honest critique. This is a crucial time when Catholic reporters must report the truth even if it is unpalatable. God light needs to be shone in all the dark places.
Praised be the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit makes things happen for good.
These are all good attempts to defend the truth and the authors need to be commended. But the buck stops with Pope Francis. He is the only one who can stop the confusion, a confusion that he has created by publishing Amoris Laetitia. Will he do it? I doubt it very much. I wish I were wrong, but I currently believe that he has purposely created the current confusion to allow his modernist supporters to poison the Church. This allows him to avoid taking direct responsibility for administering the poison, something he cannot do as the pope.
All we need to learn about planned ambiguity we can find in Pius VI’s auctorem fidei, which reminds us that it will always come back seeking to cause error.
Simply answering the dubia will solve the problems and eradicate the doubts in the sheepfold.
It’s ironic that Kampowski purports to provide clarity, and only contributes to the confusion. I am disappointed that Mr. Pentin failed to address the key questions of the Maltese bishops and Cardinal Coccopalmerio who have very specifically stated that there are circumstances under which divorced and remarried persons can return to the sacraments without dissociating themselves from the adultery of the sexual relationship with their illicit partner. If in Mr. Kampowski’s reading one cannot conclude that AL is a departure from previous teaching, why does Pope Francis support those who have taken the divergent direction. Mr. Pentin failed his readership by not addressing these issues.
Don, Don, trolling for the adversary…..there is neither tolerance nor compassion where there is falsehood,confusion, deceit….this is in and surrounds AL, the Holy Father needs to feed and tend the Sheep in the Holy Spirit with the Beloved’s Truth….the language is not rigorist’s, the language is Jesus’:”go and sin no more, for your sake and the sake of the Children”....satan’s language is “go and continue the sins of adultery for the sake of the children”....saying that AL is tolerant and compassionate for urging this is saying that satan is tolerant and compassionate and the Living Trinity-Godman is a rigorist intolerant and uncompassionate jerk….let’s be honest in Christ Jesus, Risen in Glory!
If AE is as bad, as ambiguous, as contradictory, and as counter-doctrinal
as many of you folks intimate, why hasn’t a noted theologian—Joseph Ratzinger—who has read it thoroughly not felt it necessary to help “clear up the ambiguity”?
You say moral theologians have an obligation to openly challenge AE, yet if Benedict doesn’t see the need to say even one word, why should any “lesser” person weigh in?
Maybe, just maybe, Benedict trusts his informed conscience and wants us to trust ours.
Don Felder: These scriptures have already been interpreted by multiple popes, including Saint John Paul II. The interpretation is clear but Pope Francis would have us believe that it is not. He’s a typical Jesuit. Long on philosophical nonsense and short on common sense. Children in the first couple of years of catechism understand this teaching but adults have suddenly become confused. Perhaps that’s why Jesus said we needed to have faith like children.
The ten commandments are about as simple as it gets. God dictated them to a simple, uneducated people and expected them to understand and implement them. Today, we have people with graduate degrees who can’t seem to figure out what thou shalt not commit adultery means. They also can’t grasp that Jesus classified adultery as even looking at a woman with lust in your eyes. You need to go back and do some Lectio Divina on the Gospels, my friend. I’ll pray for God to give you the wisdom of a child so you can grasp them.
Cardinal Müller says: “Amoris Laetitia must clearly be interpreted in the light of the whole doctrine of the Church.” He added: “I don’t like it, it is not right that so many bishops are interpreting Amoris Laetitia according to their way of understanding the Pope’s teaching. This does not keep to the line of Catholic doctrine ...many people needed to study more doctrine on the office of the bishop, which was not to offer novel accounts of papal teaching. “The bishop, as teacher of the Word, must himself be the first to be well-formed so as not to fall into the risk of the blind leading the blind,” ...
Sister Lucia dos Santos, one of the three children who witnessed the Marian apparitions at Fatima, proficied that the final battle between Christ and Satan would be over marriage and the family. Her prophecies of the Second World War and Pope John Paul’s assassination attempt came true; And this one is comming true before our very eyes, although it is very clear that many people have blinders on (just like in the days of Noah)!
Think about this: 500 years ago, God permitted entire nations to leave His Church over the issue of marriage and hundreds of millions of faithful Christians are deprived of the Sacraments, including valid Eucharist. SAD.
Pray for the conversion of sinners and for the Triumph of Immaculate Heart!
Method of fitting AL into Apostolic Tradition.
1) stand on head
2) Put left foot in mouth
3) Put right foot in left ear
4) close eyes
5) Join protestant sect or become a Jesuit.
After a full year of discussion, it should now be abundantly clear to ordinary and lay that the pope cannot institute licit reception of communion for persons while in a state of mortal sin. Therefore, taking the Amoris Laetitia object out of the discussion leaves simply a discussion about a pope who has a reputation for shooting first and asking questions later and practices a communication style of being verbosely ambiguous and inappropriately titillating. All of this “ink” over the past year is essentially just an ongoing tabletop discussion of the person, Pope Francis, using this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation as the Lazy Susan. As Catholics, we’re so good about refraining from gossip, but in practicing that honorable virtue we become so much better at camouflaging the heart of the issue. As Edward Pentin wrote, the dubia, are justified in a search for clarity, but also, the Holy Spirit never backpedals and this is the desperately needed affirming clarity which the dubia demands. The indifference of the dubia presented, demonstrated by the pope, manifests the indisputable character traits of the man. This is then the essence of the argument that is disguised as Amoris Laetitia.
If any corporation had put out a document of policy as contradictory, confusing and misleading as AL, there would be dissention and rebellion in the ranks. Wait! Isn’t that what we have now?
Barbara Hinkley : The simple answer to your question “I do not understand why our Pope will not come out and reaffirm what the Catechism has always taught on these issues” - is that he clearly has an agenda :
1. POPE APPOINTS LEADING OPPONENTS OF CATHOLIC DOCTRINE TO ORDINARY SYNOD
http://voiceofthefamily.com/pope-appoints-leading-opponents-of-catholic-doctrine-to-ordinary-synod/
2. An Unholy Alliance: the UN, Soros, and the Francis Papacy - Elizabeth Yore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS1GC2kX9HY&feature=youtu.be
3. Pope Francis and the Population Control Lobby
http://www.lepantoinstitute.org/pontifical-academy-of-social-sciences/pope-francis-population-control-lobby/
4. DCLeaks Bombshell: The Soros/Francis Alliance Confirmed
http://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/articles/item/2763-dcleaks-bombshell-the-soros-francis-connection
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
What value is this book? None! Their opinion is of no more value than the dozen or so other opinions circulating. Jesus defined marriage and adultery for us in terms that a second grader can understand. Unfortunately it appears that many with advanced degrees in theology and divinity cannot. Instead we keep getting increasingly tortured interpretations that try desperately to make Pope Francis coherent in the light of doctrine and tradition. Stop wasting your time. The only one who can clarify what he meant is Pope Francis himself and he chooses not to.
@Don Fisher. The job of the Church is not to please the laity. It’s to teach the truth. Pope Francis cannot change infallible doctrine. He cannot contradict Jesus. He’s the Pope, not God. Jesus defined adultery for us in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. You don’t have to accept His teaching as long as you are willing to face the consequences of your choice.
Louise Helder: The Bible is a long book that was written, recorded, and transcribed by many people. It was originally written in several languages each of which required translation for understanding by the various cultures that used it. This very complexity put a premium on reliable interpretation of the intent, meaning and context of the authors of the Bible. Apostolic Tradition, the Scriptures and the Magisterium are all the result of interpretations made by men. Even if a tape recorder had been available, interpretation would still be necessary to understand what was intended by language used in ancient cultures of which we know very little. Interpretation does not have to mean we all become moral relativists! Thoughtful interpretation can help us to understand moral teachings in the context of our times. Is there really any other choice?
And, again, what about the 6TH and 9TH COMMANDMENTS GIVEN TO MAN BY THE LORD, GOD, HIMSELF?
6TH - THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.
9TH - THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR’S WIFE.
Rather straightforward and to the point, I’d say.
FOLKS, there’s a problem in the “Chair of Peter” BIGTIME! Pray, PRAY for POPE FRANCIS!
AND——PRAY FOR OUR CARDINALS, ESPECIALLY, WHO HAVE A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY—-BEFORE GOD AND BEFORE THE CHURCH to address this matter with the POPE! This is NOT a matter for the “Bishop” of each Diocese “to discern.” (And, can you imagine how THAT would work?!?)
The ambiguity in Amoris Laetitia by Pope Francis is explained here concisely and accurately.
CARDINAL RAYMOND BURKE Apr. 12, 2016
“The personal, that is, non-magisterial, nature of the document is also evident in the fact that the references cited are principally the final report of the 2015 session of the Synod of Bishops and the addresses and homilies of Pope Francis himself. There is no consistent effort to relate the text, in general, or these citations to the magisterium, the Fathers of the Church and other proven authors.
“Pope Francis makes clear, from the beginning, that the post-synodal apostolic exhortation is not an act of the magisterium (3).”
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/amoris-laetitia-and-the-constant-teaching-and-practice-of-the-church
The simplist solution to the confusion AL has created, even amongst Bishops, should be addressed by Pope Francis, to put beyond doubt that he rejects absolutely, any notion that divorced and remarried people, living in objective sin, can under any circumstances receive the Eucharist.until then significant damage is being done throughout the World.
I do not understand why our Pope will not come out and reaffirm what the Catechism has always taught on these issues. Truth does not change even if unpopular to a sinful world.
With all of the controversy that this document has stirred up, as Voice of the Family correctly stated, along with many other prelates, AMORIS LAETITIA must be rescinded and replaced by a document that adheres to the Catholic Magisterium.
No more obfuscation, confusion, guides, handbooks, etc. - just withdraw the document - already it has resulted in damage to souls. P. Francis needs to answer the Dubia (already long outstanding), and get back to preaching the gospel of Christ, not man.
Voice of the Family calls on Pope Francis to withdraw Amoris Laetitia
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/voice-of-the-family-calls-on-pope-francis-to-withdraw-amoris-laetitia
Pope Francis, the Catholic Church, and Homosexuality
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALIDP8Q1HvQ
Bravo BrianA_MN, well said!
@Don Fisher, maybe you should pick up a Catholic Bible. You would be surprised how rigours language our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ uses. And believe you me, it is not difficult to understand. He talks about the narrow path which few take, and broad path that leads to destruction. He talks about denying yourself and taking up your Cross daily if you want to follow Him. He says if you only look at other people lustfully, you have committed adultery (mortal sin, btw). Noone is talking about breaking up of the families if one puts himself in this undesirable situation. Spouses can live as brother and sister if they wish to save their souls. Everything else is sugarcoating it and not an act of charity. Because charity before all, is wanting the good of your brother and sister in Christ and wanting the means for them to obtain what is needed for salvation. And no loving catholic would stay silent and let others walk this hellish road without warning them.
“Many marriages are not of God and do not please Our Lord”
“If men only knew what eternity is, they would do everything in their power to change their lives. ” Jacinta, one of the three seers of Fatima.
Don Fisher, you must be like the new Jesuit whom Pope Francis appointed recently who says that since we have no
tape recordings of Jesus Christ, we must go with the times to interpret ourselves.
You are wrong! The faithful laity does not love Amoris Letitia, but it sure helps to confuse everybody.
@Don Fisher - We, the people of God, need to reconcile the Church’s doctrine and discipline with the reality that Truth cannot be altered for the sake of “tolerance” or “compassion.” Are we to do our interpretation? If so, then we are becoming Protestants.
OH, and meanwhile, just FORGET WHAT THE LORD GOD TELLS US IN THE 6TH and 9TH COMMANDMENTS!
I don’t understand how anyone, laity or bishop, can misinterpret Christ’s own words. I’m going to paraphrase what Christ spoke about marriage. When speaking with the pharisee’s He said that it was only because of sinfulness, hardness of heartm and laziness that Moses allowed for divorce, but he then said that it was never the Father’s desire and that anyone who divorced and remarried was sinning against God. He then met the women at the stoning and told her she too was to go and sin no more. I totally agree with these theologians, that you have to read AL with an understanding of what has been said by Christ and what has been restated by Councils and Bishops of Rome.
What Pope Francis has rightfully said to the Bishops, Priest and most importantly the laity is that we need to bring back souls to Christ, that Priest and laity must not be cold and rejecting of those in sinful situations, but should walk with them and help them discern their situation. Pope Francis doesn’t say “and let them approach the Eucharist while in sin” because the is not the hoped for outcome, rather it is through prayerfully reflection and gentle witness that one comes to love the Lord and wish to do His will, by living a life of grace. I know many couples who were not aware of the Church’s teaching, had been baptized Catholic as children, grown to become secular adults, even married in a secular or “destination” wedding, but then had faith re-kindled and they came to the Church and mistakenly thought they simply could restart taking the Eucharist. Although it was a first marriage for one, it was a second secular marriage for the other. They didn’t know Christ’s teaching on marriage, because it wasn’t part of their cultural upbringing. They were in darkness. They desired to come in to the light. They needed someone to help guide them and walk them through the narrow path, without loosing them to the evil spirits that prowl the world and lie to them about Christ. This is what Pope Francis is referring. If one was to simply say to this couple you can never approach the Eucharist, then we are saying Christ redemption and forgiveness are limited. This couple through a kind approach and through trust will be able to discern where they stand with Christ, thus the Church. They have ways to correct their situation, through annulment, reconciliation, and sacramental marriage vows. The Church has the tools to help this couple become part of the flock of Christ. The Shepard cannot, nor should another sheep or goat chase away these souls.
This isn’t a matter of making the Church more accommodating to today’s society. Christ’s own words explain that isn’t the goal. This is a matter of how to work in a secular society to help those who are in darkness, have never heard the Church’s why on marriage is permanent, on the evil that happens if one doesn’t believe in a marriage from God, on the effect to children, on the effect to society. The Church is a military hospital, it takes in wounded, it needs to deal with them where-ever they are, regardless of current faith or lack of it, to save the body. That is what we are called to do. To Love One Another as He has loved us.
Isn’t this horrible. Christ is The Truth and only offers clarity. Yet His church promotes darkness and confusion. This can’t be of Christ.
Any Catholic, bishop or lay, who knows the basics of their Creed and is sincere in being faithful would know that moving to this or that parish, diocese or country is not fooling the Truth of the matter. Nor would reading AL this way or that way; there is only one way as the author stated, and that is in continuity with Traditional Magisterial teaching. Hoping for ‘mercy’ from God while knowingly and deliberately playing games does not sound like a safe course to insure receiving it.
With all the confusion surrounding this document (not only among the laity, but among the Bishops as well) in is absolutely essential that the Holy Father clarify what he has written. At present, the Barque of Peter is like a ship without a rudder!
The Camel’s nose has been allowed into the tent by Bishops and a Pope. Pretty soon, the whole camel will be stinking up the place (Church). Allowing D&A Catholics without an annulment to receive Holy Communion is the first step in accepting the adulterous situation of divorce and remarriage as a norm. One only needs to look at the so-called ‘Orthodox’ communities and the thousands of Protestant denominations.
In Familiaris Consortio, St John Paul said that the teaching on Holy Communion was based on Scripture and there is an intrinsic link between the Eucharist and marriage: to live in a sexual relationship “objectively contradicts that union of love between Christ and the Church which is signified and effected by the Eucharist”.
St John Paul was one of several Popes, including Benedict XVI, to reaffirm the doctrine on Communion for the remarried. It has also been taught by theologians, Church fathers, early councils, and in recent decades by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
The language used by rigorists is usually too difficult to understand to be of any use to the laity. I believe that many Catholics understand and appreciate Pope Francis’s instinct to be tolerant and compassionate of divorced and remarried couples through discernment. Our Church needs to reconcile its doctrine and discipline with the reality of remarried people so as not to destroy their new families. With respect, I pray that Pope Francis has the longevity to appoint enough Cardinals to ensure that his successor continues his work of tolerance and compassion. The laity will love it!
The problem IS Pope Francis is telling the BISHOPS to “interpret” what he says in AL. So, if you don’t like your Bishop’s “interpretation” of the Section with the “dubia” Text, you just go to a differnt Catholic Church where you are not known—-OR, move to another Diocese. If you have children in Grade School, you will have to figure out how to deal with that problem…. As for “Continuity” and the view of “Pope Francis,” himself, regarding the very straight forward 6th and 9th Commandments, the “dubia” remains….and that’s the BIG problem! Again, let’s join together in PRAYER for POPE FRANCIS.
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