Transcript:
Dr. 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’re saying he’s going beyond his real mission, and that he’s neglecting in this way the mission to evangelize, the mission to preach the gospel. But 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” today is understood in different ways. If it is a benevolent critique of fraternal correction, it is a sign of fraternal charity. Moral theology states that when you benevolently correct someone, your neighbor, this is a sign of love towards your neighbor. So, I am his brother in the episcopate, and I only desire what is best for him, the Pope. If I am silent, I think that my conscience will accuse me of committing the sin of omission. You should not be afraid or be concerned to be politically correct when you do fraternal correction to your elder brother, the Pope, something which is important for the salvation of his soul and his mission for the benefit of the entire Church. I think a bishop should not behave this way. When you do a benevolent fraternal correction, it should always be for the good of the person and for their task. You also have to accompany these with prayers. I always do pray for the Holy Father; never in my life have I prayed for anyone as much as for Pope Francis. I always include him every time I celebrate the Holy Mass. In this way, I can say, Holy Father, I am your best friend.