Well, the situation in a country or city is different. In this case, it is truly systematic and, in some way, undermines the truth of the visibility of the Church. In the case of the papacy, declaring that there has been no pope for over 60 years since the death of Pius XII contradicts the dogma of the visibility of the Church. The pope is the visible head of the Church. We cannot say that we only have the invisible head, Christ, with no visible head. This is similar to the position of the Orthodox, who deny the primacy of the pope in principle and claim that it is sufficient for the Church to have only the invisible head, Christ. We do not need a visible head in the person of the pope, the Bishop of Rome. This is heresy. While they do not formally deny the dogma, de facto, they are living as if they do, because after such a long time more than 60, now almost 70 years without a pope, this undermines the visibility of the Church. Additionally, the dogma of faith, as defined in the First Vatican Council, states that Peter will always have perpetual successors. Therefore, such a long period without a pope is also undermining this dogma. This is a serious issue.
Regarding the concrete obligation to assist Mass, it is not a divine commandment but an ecclesiastical human law. Human laws are not binding under extraordinary difficulties. Therefore, if you are sick or taking care of someone in need on a Sunday, the Church automatically dispenses you from attending Mass. However, you are still required to sanctify the day of the Lord, which can be done through prayers and other acts of devotion. If it is not possible to attend Mass for serious reasons, you are dispensed.
In a case where there is no other possibility to attend Mass, and the only option is a Mass celebrated by priests who are not in communion with the pope, you can attend the Mass but should not receive Holy Communion. This is because they are not in real communion with the pope, and thus it is not possible to receive Communion. The only exception might be in a case of serious danger to life, where you could receive Communion, even from a schismatic priest. In such cases, it is important to distinguish between attending Mass and expressing agreement with this attitude.
Dear visitors of Gloria Dei and all who have already written or who will write a personal message to me. I am grateful for your attention, your kindness, for your spiritual support and especially for your sacrifices and prayers for me. God may reward you!
