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This Insights eNewsletter was sent to subscribers on May 28, 2013.

eNewsletter Subject: Pope Francis' First Encyclical

Many may not be in the mood for more documents when administrative action is needed on so many fronts, but to me it is intriguing that Pope Francis will complete his predecessor's project of issuing an encyclical on Faith.

You'll recall that Benedict wanted to write on all three theological virtues, but was able to complete encyclicals only on Love (Deus Caritas Est in 2006) and Hope (Spe Salvi in 2007).

Pope Francis will begin with Benedict's notes and drafts, but clearly he will make the new encyclical his own. I think we will be able to learn much by comparing the approach of Pope Francis to that of Pope Emeritus Benedict. I am looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, though, I have a caution to offer concerning the more immediate and practical problem faced by those who seek the Sacrament of Penance from canonically rootless priests: Warning: An SSPX Priest Is Incapable of Absolving You from Sin....

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