Jesuit editor says Pope has removed restrictions on divorced/remarried access to sacraments
April 12, 2016
Father Antono Spadaro, the Italian Jesuit who was an influential figure in the meetings of the Synod on the Family, now writes that Pope Francis has removed all restrictions on the access of divorced and remarried Catholics to the sacraments.
Father Spadaro's controversial interpretation of Amoris Laetitia-- which appears to contradict the claims that the Pope made no major changes in Church teaching or discipline-- appears in Civilta Cattolica, the Jesuit journal that Father Spadaro edits.
Civilta Cattolica is regarded as a semi-authoritative source because its contents are approved in advance by the Vatican Secretariat of State. Father Spadaro has worked closely with Pope Francis as adviser and translator, and reportedly helped to draft the apostolic exhortation.
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Posted by: bernie4871 -
Apr. 13, 2016 10:53 AM ET USA
Card. Ratzinger is reliably reported to have said some years ago that the only thing we can be assured of from any Pope is that "He wont destroy the whole thing". I continue to have great respect for Encyclicals, in general, but this "Apostolic Exhortation" is another thing entirely. An earlier comment by Lgibert6444 shows how Francis is pandering to the least informed and how he is pushing the limits of "destroy".
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Posted by: Lucius49 -
Apr. 13, 2016 9:57 AM ET USA
How can this Jesuit priest think that a Pope can overrule divine law? That is not Catholic teaching. But will anything be done by Pope Frances/the Holy See to correct Fr. Spadaro? If not then qui tacet consentit, he who is silent consents. The Pope cannot lend himself to this contradiction of Catholic teaching without failing mightily in his office.
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Posted by: unum -
Apr. 13, 2016 9:43 AM ET USA
It sounds like Father Spadaro's thinking is consistent with an order that operates universities "in the Jesuit tradition" instead of "in the Catholic tradition"!
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Posted by: Lgilbert6444 -
Apr. 13, 2016 8:26 AM ET USA
Let God be the judge of his people. These people need Jesus! He IS the mana from Heaven. When God Almighty sent down the manna in the Old Testament did he restrict who consumed it!! Don't your know Jesus came for the sinners! He said in scripture not to prevent the children from coming to him! He is Mercy and Love! Ask yourself am I greater than Christ that I can judge another?
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Posted by: rjbennett1294 -
Apr. 13, 2016 6:23 AM ET USA
Is this the way the Church ends? "Not with a bang, but a whimper."
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Posted by: JimKcda -
Apr. 13, 2016 12:51 AM ET USA
Sounds like the 1960's all over again. When I was a young, newly married man, after VII, "the word" was; just go to Confession at the Jesuit parish and any of them will give you permission to use "the pill." The confusion and damage caused to the Church by that situation was enormous. Looks like the Jesuits are up to their old tricks, and this time they have a Jesuit Pope to hide behind. Confusion, doubt, dubious interpretations, etc. -- all tools of the devil. Here we go again! God help us!!!!!
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Posted by: tpodonnell0211 -
Apr. 13, 2016 12:28 AM ET USA
Looking at the reference (Magister): Fr. Spadaro's comments seem to me to be merely repeating the Exhortation itself, albeit with a certain emphasis. I don't think we have any obligation to "read Francis through Spadaro" no matter how close they are. That's not how the Magisterium, even the ordinary Magisterium, works. Let's wrestle with, pray with, ponder over, and give our faithful submission to the Magisterium of and in the document ... Not to a friend of the Pope's.
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Posted by: Pete -
Apr. 12, 2016 10:03 PM ET USA
This is one of the primary reasons many of us Catholics have trouble with our Religion. These comments by Fr. Spadaro are in direct opposition to those posted on the Vatican's web site, the comments of Cardinal Burke, and others. Neither the Synod nor the Pope had the authority to change Church Doctrine nor Her teachings. The restrictions were NOT removed, and to say they were is both Scandal and False.
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Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Apr. 12, 2016 9:02 PM ET USA
More disinformation from within the Church!
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Posted by: ElizabethD -
Apr. 12, 2016 7:47 PM ET USA
That is like the malicious claims about the "spirit of Vatican II". Interpret it via an evil spirit, and that is what you get I suppose.
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Posted by: mwean7331 -
Apr. 12, 2016 6:05 PM ET USA
I was very sure this would happen. Next we will have U.S. bishops approving this travesty and referring to this "priest" editor for validation. Pope Francis has done it again. ambiguity. personified. Will the Pope or his advisors even take the time to disclaim this grave fallacy. This places the laity in confusion and grave sinful danger. Holy Spirit where are you?
