On the Doctrine of Mitigating Circumstances

August 13, 2019

August 13, 2019 (Steven O’Reilly) – [Updated 8/21/2019] Over at Where Peter Is they recently published an article by Pedro Gabriel on the doctrine of mitigating circumstances.  This article attempts to find ways by which it can be said that acts of adultery might under certain circumstances be considered venial. And, here, of course, Where … More On the Doctrine of Mitigating Circumstances

Amoris Laetitia: A history of doctrinal development or of doctrinal dissent?

August 6, 2019

August 6, 2019 (Steven O’Reilly) – A few weeks back, the “Where Peter Is” website posted an article by Stephen Walford, who is well known to regular readers of Roma Locuta Est which has responded to his many articles and his book in the Summa Contra Stephen Walford. I commented recently on his most recent article (see The … More Amoris Laetitia: A history of doctrinal development or of doctrinal dissent?

Will Divine Providence Spoil the Party in the Ocean State?

August 5, 2019

August 5, 2019 (Edward J. Barr – Contributor) – Like many Americans the summer is time for vacations. For my wife and I, the annual trip to New England in the summer time is always a highlight. Growing up in Rhode Island, it was always a matter of pride to live in the “most Catholic” … More Will Divine Providence Spoil the Party in the Ocean State?

2013 Conclave: Was there a violation of Universi Dominici Gregis 12?

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019 (Steven O’Reilly) – A few weeks back, I posted a few articles on Roma Locuta Est dealing with the mysterious figure of the “influential Italian gentleman.”  This “influential Italian gentleman” visited McCarrick (see video here) in early March before the General Congregations (began March 4) and asked him to ‘talk up Bergoglio.’ … More 2013 Conclave: Was there a violation of Universi Dominici Gregis 12?

Mark Shea – aka he who exudes the “Odor of Sanctimony” – and other apologetic hacks

July 19, 2019

July 18, 2019 (Steven O’Reilly) – As with with most – if not all – Catholics who have reservations with many things related to Pope Francis, I have not come to my current position regarding this pontificate lightly, or without constant prayer. Many moons ago I wrote articles which appeared in the old Catholic Answers … More Mark Shea – aka he who exudes the “Odor of Sanctimony” – and other apologetic hacks

Did Pope Benedict XVI resign because of threats? No.

July 9, 2019

July 9, 2019 (Steven O’Reilly) – The “Benedict is Pope” (BiP) theory is still limping along. Having already countered the BiP arguments in a number of articles, I was hoping I would never feel the need again to do so.   Some of the articles deal with questions related to whether Benedict’s resignation was forced  (see Thoughts on … More Did Pope Benedict XVI resign because of threats? No.

Bergoglio and Tornielli together on conclave eve – what was that about?

July 1, 2019

July 1, 2019 (Steven O’Reilly) – [Updated 7/12/2019] Updated 7/31/2019:  The thesis in the article below has been revised.  Please see 2013 Conclave: Was there a violation of Universi Dominici Gregis 12? instead. This article is part III of an examination of events leading up to the 2013 conclave which elected Cardinal Bergoglio. Part I on Roma … More Bergoglio and Tornielli together on conclave eve – what was that about?

Questions Regarding the “Influential Italian Gentleman”

June 28, 2019

June 28, 2019 (Steven O’Reilly) – In part 1 of this series (see The “Influential Italian Gentleman”), we looked at the somewhat mysterious figure of the “influential Italian gentleman” (ITG) who visited the ex-Cardinal McCarrick at the NAC sometime about (March 2, 2013). The ITG, per McCarrick, asked McCarrick to ‘talk up Bergoglio’ in the upcoming … More Questions Regarding the “Influential Italian Gentleman”