Benedict XVI did not intend a Shared, Collegial, or Bifurcated Papacy

August 31, 2025 (Steven O’Reilly) – There has been a renewed effort by certain Benepapists to push their erroneous theory that Benedict XVI only ‘partially resigned’ or ‘semi-resigned’ the papacy. They have taken notice of a comment the excommunicated Archbishop Viganó made last November in his essay about Benedict XVI’s 2014 letter to Msgr. Nicola … More Benedict XVI did not intend a Shared, Collegial, or Bifurcated Papacy

Discussion: Benedict XVI’s 2014 Letter vs. the Benepapists

August 28, 2025 (Steven O’Reilly) –  Last week I was invited on Christine Harrington’s Eternal Life Plan Program again.   Our discussion focused on the recent publication of Benedict XVI’s 2014 letter to Msgr. Nicola Bux, and its impact on various Benepapist theories which claim Benedict XVI’s resignation was invalid. This letter effectively refutes the core … More Discussion: Benedict XVI’s 2014 Letter vs. the Benepapists

The Authenticity of Benedict XVI’s 2014 Letter

August 26, 2025 (Steven O’Reilly) – Roma Locuta Est has covered the recent publication of pope emeritus Benedict XVI’s letter to Msgr. Bux in 2014 (see The Stake through the Heart of Benepapism). In that letter, Benedict XVI clearly stated in renouncing the ministerium, he also renounced the munus as well.  Benedict wrote: “In my opinion, … More The Authenticity of Benedict XVI’s 2014 Letter

Habemus Bugnolo?

May 12, 2025 (Steven O’Reilly) – Just a day or so ago Roma Locuta Est published an article titled Habemus Problem? which surveyed the landscape of the assorted, leading voices of Benepapism (i.e., the belief Benedict’s resignation was invalid) and or leading voices of those who claimed Francis was an antipope.  The purpose of this research … More Habemus Bugnolo?

Habemus Problem?

May 10, 2025 (Steven O’Reilly) – [Updated 5/11/2025] A recent Roma Locuta Est post outlines the reasons why I believe a Catholic should be optimistic about the election and reign of Pope Leo XIV (see Habemus Papam). But, for this current article, I decided to survey some of the reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s election … More Habemus Problem?

Habemus Papam

May 9, 2025 (Steven O’Reilly) – Everyone is chiming in on the election of the first American pope, Leo XIV.  Roma Locuta Est, Liliputian as it may be, cannot be expected to do less.  Below I will lay out the case for why I am optimistic for the reign of Pope Leo XIV. As I … More Habemus Papam