Cardinal Müller to be removed from top Vatican doctrinal post

June 30, 2017

Cardinal Gerhard Müller will be removed from his post as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) on July 2, according to multiple news reports.

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Cardinal Müller was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to head the Vatican’s doctrinal congregation, for a 5-year term that began on July 2, 2012. Pope Francis has reportedly chosen not to renew his term.

Cardinal Müller had been generally regarded as a conservative presence at the Vatican during the current pontificate, most notably when he insisted that “Amoris Laetitia must clearly be interpreted in the light of the whole doctrine of the Church.” According the Vatican insiders the German cardinal had recommended numerous changes in the controversial papal document, but his suggestions were not accepted. His influence had declined notably in recent months, giving rise to frequent rumors that he would be replaced.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna, who was the general editor of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is regarded as the most likely candidate to become prefect of the CDF.

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• Kardinal Gerhard Müller von Papst Franziskus entlassen (Katholisches
• Cardinal Müller to Be Dismissed? (National Catholic Register)
• Pope dismisses Cardinal Müller from CDF (Rorate Caeli)

Show 6 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments

• Posted by: ALC - Jul. 02, 2017 3:23 PM ET USA

  We must pray very hard that Pope Francis will listen and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and no one else. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can protect the Church from error. I am disappointed in this move by Pope Francis, but it fits with his past actions.

• Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 - Jul. 01, 2017 1:03 AM ET USA

  The Purges continue. Who will be next - Cardinal Sarah?? Nothing personal, your just not a team player.

• Posted by: Ken - Jul. 01, 2017 12:29 AM ET USA

  The cleansing continues.

• Posted by: Jim Hanink - Jun. 30, 2017 6:18 PM ET USA

  This is a worrisome development.

• Posted by: Comares - Jun. 30, 2017 5:55 PM ET USA

  Pope Francis has chosen not to renew his term (contract). This not the same as saying that he has been removed. Perhaps someone will be appointed that may be more acceptable to Pope Francis. I would do the same but at the same time I would need to appoint someone who was qualified to do the job and not just a "Yes Person".

• Posted by: feedback - Jun. 30, 2017 4:55 PM ET USA

  I wouldn't be surprised if the successor of Cardinal Müller would start by praising Amoris Laetitia for its "clarity." But the Good Lord has His own many ways to protect His Church from error.