Transcript:
Dr. Robert Moynihan:
For the past few years, there have been many bishops and many lay people who have said, Pope Francis is not being clear enough, that he allowed certain confusions, that he says one thing and then he says another thing, but he allows somehow this to percolate without clarifying. Is this a general concern you have about how he has conducted himself?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider:
Of course, this is evident and unfortunately, it continues. Pope Francis, may it be in the form of speaking or writing, is saying many things which are not clear and it is confusing people. In some way, it is undermining the clarity of the unchanging divine truths. The Apostles always preached in a manner of clarity as St. Paul said, I did not speak to you in an unclear manner. St. Paul makes a comparison, we did not preach the Gospel to someone who does not know where to run or we did not preach the gospel and fight with someone who does not know how to fight. There is a similarity in expression in one of the letters of St. Paul. All Popes and all Fathers of the Church have always said, it is the task of the magisterium to propose, explain, and expound in the most clear form the Word of God so that there will be no room for doubts and ambiguity for the faithful. The Pope and the Bishops are shepherds, it is their duty to give good pastures and nourishment for the sheep. It is their duty to guide them to clear waters, not to poisoned waters. The shepherd seeks good grass, not ambiguous grass, for his sheep. The teachings have to be clear because it is also a form of medicine. Eternal salvation depends on clear teachings or else it can mislead people. This is gravely important for the Pope and the Bishops, it is their first task to teach but to do so clearly. To transmit eternal truth, which is beauty and life to the people, is the greatest act of charity.
Dr. Robert Moynihan:
Well, you have spoken about the need for clarity and teaching, and you call this an act of charity for the people who are hungry for clarity in a society that is relativistic, and whether it’s a great deal of political correctness, and where people think the teaching of the Catholic Church is changing or can change. But why do so few bishops seem to join with you in expressing these concerns about relativism? Or the marginalization of Christ, therefore, they accept this type of ecumenism without real clear guidelines, or also even about the suppression of the old Latin Mass. Why are you seemingly alone? Or almost alone? Among the 1000s of Catholic Bishops, in pointing out the necessity for more clarity as an act of charity?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider:
Yes, this is a difficult question. But, of course, there are bishops who also think the same and wish for clarity.
Dr. Robert Moynihan:
Can you give examples?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider:
Well, we know Bishops and Cardinals. Let us say, the four Dubia Cardinals.
Dr. Robert Moynihan:
That was Cardinal Meisner, who had died.
Bishop Athanasius Schneider:
Cardinal Caffara, Cardinal Burke, and Cardinal Brandmuller. Cardinal Sarah several times expressed himself clearly. There are others who also wish the same but for several personal reasons and even Church political reasons, they do not want to speak out publicly. I do not know. Every Bishop has to give an account in the divine tribunal of what he did with his episcopate. So, I cannot judge my fellow brothers. Unfortunately, it is just a few even in difficult times, there weren’t so many of the majority. It is a sign, even in history, always in times of crisis it will always be the minority. This minority, at the same time, is giving me hope and joy also that they are ever more increasing in number of these simple faithful. These simple faithful are fathers of the family, mothers of the family, young people, and young priests who speak and explain clearly the faith of old times. They are teaching the faith to their children and propagating it on the internet. There are many publications led by lay people and this gives me hope that God is using simple people in the Church in these difficult times to maintain and transmit the purity and clarity of the faith.
