On the 13th Anniversary of Benedict XVI’s Resignation Announcement

February 11, 2026 (Steven O’Reilly) – Thirteen years ago today, Pope Benedict XVI announced his renunciation of the papacy. He did not know it at the time, but his act would have tragic consequences for the Church. On the one hand, his resignation left the see of Rome vacant. A conclave followed which elected Cardinal … More On the 13th Anniversary of Benedict XVI’s Resignation Announcement

The Conor Gallagher Show: Discussion of Benepapist Theories

February 9, 2026 (Steven O’Reilly) – I recently appeared on the Conor Gallagher Show to discuss the problems with the various Benepapist theories regarding Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, and to discuss why Benedict XVI’s resignation was, in fact, valid.  Some of the topics addressed include claims Benedict was forced out; the shut off of Vatican … More The Conor Gallagher Show: Discussion of Benepapist Theories

SSPX/China Consecrations: Is the analogy a fair one?

February 4, 2026 (Steven O’Reilly) – Roma Locuta Est recently published some thoughts on the SSPX announcement that it would consecrate new bishops on July 1st of this year (see SSPX to consecrate new bishops? Enough of the nonsense!).  Even though there is word that talks between Rome and SSPX continue, the SSPX announcement at … More SSPX/China Consecrations: Is the analogy a fair one?

SSPX to consecrate new bishops? Enough of the nonsense!

February 2, 2026 (Steven O’Reilly) – (Updated 2/3/2026)  Today, the SSPX issued a press release indicating that the Society intends to consecrate new bishops this coming July 1, 2026. The release reads in part: If the SSPX bishops are excommunicated come July 1st, they should not be allowed to reconcile unless they declare their acceptance … More SSPX to consecrate new bishops? Enough of the nonsense!

The Inevitable Descent into Schism, and Madness

December 26, 2025 (Steven O’Reilly) – Since 2017, this blog, Roma Locuta Est, has followed the arguments of those who claimed the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI was not valid. One of the things I was curious about was, what would the Benepapists do after the deaths of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis? … More The Inevitable Descent into Schism, and Madness

The recent controversy over Marian titles and the Crisis in Rome

November 7, 2025 – (Steven O’Reilly) – Since he was elected on May 8, seven months ago, I have for the most part refrained from commenting on the acts of Pope Leo XIV. It was not so much intentional, as it was because I have been busy with other things in life. For one, I … More The recent controversy over Marian titles and the Crisis in Rome

Attending Mass in a Muslim nation: St. Mary’s in Al Ain, UAE

This is the fourth and final article in a series that offers a snapshot on attending Mass in Abu Dhabi. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest in the United Arab Emirates, and the city of Abu Dhabi serves as the capital of the nation. A review of the Cathedral, Abrahamic Family House and St. Paul’s in Musaffah can … More Attending Mass in a Muslim nation: St. Mary’s in Al Ain, UAE

Attending Mass in a Muslim nation: St. Paul’s in Musaffah

This is the third of several articles that will offer a snapshot on attending Mass in Abu Dhabi. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest in the United Arab Emirates, and the city of Abu Dhabi serves as the capital of the nation. A review of the Cathedral and Abrahamic Family House can be found in article 1 and 2.    September … More Attending Mass in a Muslim nation: St. Paul’s in Musaffah

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