"The Church has faced heretical Popes before," is a statement that, while unsettling, is grounded in historical reality. Throughout its long history, the Church has encountered challenges from within, including Popes who have, through action or inaction, found themselves at odds with orthodox teaching.
Notable examples include Pope Honorius I (625-638), who during the Monothelite controversy was posthumously condemned for failing to denounce heresy. Pope Liberius (352-366), during the Arian controversy, signed a compromise formula under pressure, which led to significant doctrinal confusion. Pope John XXII (1316-1334) preached a controversial view on the Beatific Vision, which he only retracted on his deathbed, causing considerable theological turmoil. Pope Vigilius (537-555) wavered on the condemnation of the Three Chapters, which were writings by three theologians that were seen as sympathetic to the Nestorian heresy. This controversy further divided the Church during a crucial period as it struggled to maintain doctrinal unity in the face of significant theological challenges.
In our time, Pope Francis, during his tenure, has introduced a brand of Modernism that poses a significant threat to the integrity of the Catholic faith. His approach often appears to prioritize contemporary societal values over the timeless truths of the Church. Ambiguous statements on key moral issues, such as the sanctity of marriage, the nature of sin, and the necessity of repentance, sow confusion among the faithful and undermine the Church’s authority. Francis’ emphasis on inclusivity and mercy frequently comes at the expense of doctrinal purity, leading many into error.
To the faithful Catholic who seeks to reconcile the ancient prophecies contained within scripture or private revelation with the current state of the Church under Pope Francis, one can't help but understand that many of his actions play right into this apostasy that has been predicted to affect the church hierarchy. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 1 Timothy 4:1, Matthew 24:10-12, Revelation 13:11-14). His Modernist agenda can be viewed as a fulfillment of warnings that the Church would face internal decay before the end times. This profound spiritual crisis calls into question the very nature of the Church’s mission and identity. The prophecies spoke of a time when leaders within the Church would lead many astray, and Francis’ papacy, with its flirtation with secular ideologies and its downplaying of essential doctrines, seems to align disturbingly well with these predictions.
It is crucial to understand that the term "end times" encompasses all of history following Christ's resurrection. The early Church Fathers and theologians have often interpreted the period after Christ’s resurrection as the beginning of the end times, characterized by an ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. Thus, the tribulations faced by the Church today are seen not as isolated incidents, but as part of a broader, eschatological narrative. The current turmoil under Pope Francis, with its apparent alignment with secular values and departure from traditional doctrine, is perceived by some as a sign that the final culmination of history—the Second Coming of Christ—is imminent. This perspective holds that the increasing moral and doctrinal confusion within the Church signifies that the end of the age, or the end of times (not the end of the world per se) is drawing near.
In this era of Modernist influence, it is imperative for the Church to return to the solid ground of Orthodoxy. The faithful must reject the watered-down, culturally accommodating version of Christianity that is being promoted. Instead, they should embrace the full, unaltered truth of the faith, as taught by the Apostles and preserved by the Church Fathers. The current trajectory under Pope Francis should serve as a clarion call to all who cherish the true faith: now is the time to stand firm, to speak out against error, and to uphold the timeless doctrines of the Church.
Canon Law provides the framework within which the faithful can express their concerns. According to Canon 212 §2 and §3, the laity have the right and duty to make their views known to their pastors and to the rest of the Christian faithful, concerning matters which pertain to the good of the Church. This canon underscores the importance of respectful and constructive engagement. Vatican II emphasized the importance of the laity’s role in the Church, particularly in their active participation in the liturgy and the life of the Church. This active engagement is not limited to liturgical roles but extends to safeguarding the faith and ensuring the Church remains true to its teachings. As Vatican II's Lumen Gentium states, "The laity, by their very vocation, seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by ordering them according to the plan of God" (Lumen Gentium, 31). Scripture also reinforces this role; 1 Peter 3:15 states, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
By organizing respectfully, presenting well-documented theological concerns, and engaging in reverent dialogue with the Cardinals, the laity can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by the current papacy. This approach honors the hierarchical structure of the Church and embodies the vision of Vatican II, which called for greater involvement of the laity in the mission of the Church. Through prayer, education, and respectful engagement, the faithful can help guide the Church back to the timeless truths of the Gospel, ensuring it remains a beacon of truth and unity in the modern world.
Respectful organization begins with forming study groups and networking with clergy and theologians to prepare knowledgeable and credible arguments. The laity should gather comprehensive evidence from authoritative sources, including Church Fathers, Councils, encyclicals, and official Church documents. This well-documented theological concern should be clear, respectful, and precise.
Identifying 7 to 9 Cardinals known for their orthodoxy and willingness to engage in dialogue is crucial. Formally request an audience with these Cardinals, presenting a detailed document outlining specific theological concerns supported by gathered evidence. The Cardinals, after careful deliberation and prayer, should then request an audience with Pope Francis, presenting these concerns respectfully and asking for clarification or correction to align his teachings with orthodox Catholic doctrine.
Continuous prayer is essential for seeking divine wisdom, and ongoing education efforts should inform the faithful about the issues at hand. Support and advocacy for the Cardinals' efforts within the broader Church community are also vital.
Through prayer, education, and respectful engagement, the faithful can help guide the Church back to the timeless truths of the Gospel. By addressing theological concerns with humility and diligence, the laity can contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Church that stands firm in its teachings while navigating the complexities of contemporary society. This collaborative effort between the laity and the hierarchy can uphold the integrity of the Church's mission and witness, preserving its role as a light to the nations.
Additionally, it is important to clarify that this discussion does not presume Pope Francis to be a heretic. The concerns raised are speculative for the sake of the article, and it is beyond the capacity of any layperson to definitively judge without the backing of a future pope in union with his magisterium. This process of respectful and prayerful engagement with Church authorities is aimed at maintaining the unity and doctrinal integrity of the Church.