Question 84 – How Do We Know Where To Stay In The Church If The Church Will Schism?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt
Date: January 13, 2022
A schismatic person rejects the Pope or bishops united with the Holy See. While we must recognize the Pope's position, we don't have to follow actions that harm the faith, liturgy, or morals. We pray for him, accept his authority, but do not accept errors. The Church remains greater, even in crisis.
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Transcript:

A schismatic person is someone who does not acknowledge the Pope or the bishops who are canonically united with the Holy See. This is a schism. When there is a Pope, we have to recognize his position, but we do not have to follow all of his words and actions that could harm the integrity of the Catholic faith, the liturgy, and its morals. 

We have to pray for him. We still do not have the authority to determine who are the pastors and shepherds of the church. In his position, we have to accept them as they are, but in this, I do not mean that we acknowledge his faults and errors. No, this is the Catholic Church and it always has been, otherwise, we will fall in danger of being sectarian or like some other groups declare themselves as the true church. 

The Catholic Church is still greater, with all its branches, with all its saints, with the true faith, and liturgy, even if temporarily, unfortunately, under the rule of some shepherds who are damaging the church. Therefore, we must be united with the Apostolic See. This is our surest way of not falling into schism. But I repeat, this does not mean that we recognize and accept all that is coming from the Holy See currently. This is an exceptional and extraordinary crisis and God will surely help us overcome this.