Mr. Robert Moynihan: So you are making a critique of the choice of Pope Francis to make statements about medical and political decisions, which he is seconding, as it were, and you are saying he is going beyond his real mission and that he is neglecting the mission to evangelize, the mission to preach the gospel. Yet some people wonder if you are an enemy of Pope Francis, but you told me earlier that you are, in fact, his best friend.
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: First, I would say the word critique is understood in different ways today. If it is a critique, then it is a very benevolent critique, a fraternal correction. It is a sign of fraternal charity. Moral theology says that when you correct someone benevolently, this is a sign of love for your neighbor. I am his brother in the episcopate, and I desire only the best for him.
If I remained silent, my conscience would accuse me of committing an omission, a sin of omission. You could say something important to your brother, to your elder brother, the Pope, to Peter, something important for his salvation, for his soul, for his mission, and for the benefit of the entire church, and you did not, maybe because you were afraid or because you wanted to be politically correct. I think a bishop should not behave in such a way.
When you make a benevolent correction only for the good of the person and his task, you have to accompany this with prayers, and this I do. I have never prayed for anyone so much as I have prayed for Pope Francis in my life, and I have celebrated holy masses for him. Therefore, I would say to him, Holy Father, I am your best friend.