The priest's statement is abusive and fallacious, as he lacks the authority to make such claims. Unity with the Church comes through shared faith and recognizing its canonical authority. Pope John Paul II affirmed a Catholic's right to receive communion kneeling and on the tongue, which the priest wrongly opposes.
Young couples bring children to the community, symbolizing Christ's call. Priests should avoid touching children with fingers when holding the host, using a distant sign of the cross instead.
If something is misunderstood during confession, it should be addressed with the priest in an individual conversation afterward, as the priest is not bound by the seal of confession in such cases.
If someone is not ready for Holy Communion, it could harm their soul. Fraternal admonishment is needed, encouraging Mass attendance without Communion, while praying for their conversion and spiritual growth.
If someone is not ready for Holy Communion, it could harm their soul. Fraternal admonishment is needed, encouraging Mass attendance without Communion, while praying for their conversion and spiritual growth.
As Catholics, we must express concern over blessings of same-sex or adulterous relationships, which endorse sin and violate God's commandments. Our response should include respectful protest, prayer, reparation, and discreet support.
The harsh reality is that some promoting immoral behaviors are elevated within the Church hierarchy. We must pray for the conversion of these Cardinals, for the Pope's action, and public retraction of errors.
The Pope alone can change the Conclave rules, which evolved over time. While the laity once participated, past abuses led to restricting elections to cardinals. Changing this could cause confusion and disrupt tradition.
Supply jurisdiction permits priests to act in emergencies, granting absolution or assisting with sacraments to protect souls. Canon Law prioritizes salvation, allowing actions without papal direction in crises like heretical spread.
On the first day, the pope should be privately admonished. If unresolved, a public statement from the College of Cardinals and faithful should urge correction. The pope, though primatial, is a servant and brother.
When no mortal sins are present, venial sins are forgiven through prayer and good acts. For mortal sins, an act of contrition with a desire to confess later forgives the sin, requiring efforts to find a priest.
"Annulment" is incorrect; it should be "declaration of nullity," confirming a non-existent marriage. Some nullity processes since Vatican II risk invalidating valid marriages, resembling a promotion of divorce.
If it's for a close family member or friend, attending is fulfilling your duty of piety without professing a different religion. You don’t have to participate in non-Catholic prayers, but passive presence is acceptable.
Obedience in the Church is required to superiors like the Pope or bishops, but if their orders undermine Catholic faith, such as blessing same-sex couples or allowing public sinners Communion, they cannot be obeyed. Obedience is absolute only to God.
The practice of praying for the Pope's intention, introduced in the 19th century, is not ideal and reflects an exaggerated papal focus. Future prayers should focus on the spiritual well-being of the Roman Church with clear, non-ambiguous intentions. Praying for Pope Francis himself is acceptable.
