Eleven Years Ago: Benedict confirms “I am no longer the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church”

February 28, 2024 (Steven O’Reilly) – Eleven years ago today, on February 28th 2013, Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation became effective at 8pm, Rome time. Just one day after his last audience, and on the very day his resignation would become effective later that evening, Pope Benedict XVI spoke to Catholic pilgrims for the Diocese of … More Eleven Years Ago: Benedict confirms “I am no longer the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church”

Minutella, Cionci, Barnhardt wrong on the “PP” (Pontifex Pontificum)

February 2, 2024 (Steven O’Reilly) – Perhaps a few months back, I saw the claim on X that Benedict, as Pope Emeritus, still continued to sign letters with his name and a “PP”, which depending on the source, stands for Pontifex Primus or Pontifex Pontificum — i.e., the pope. The claim here is that after his … More Minutella, Cionci, Barnhardt wrong on the “PP” (Pontifex Pontificum)

Bugnolo: ‘The Maker and Unmaker of popes’

January 29, 2024 (Steven O’Reilly) – Br. Bugnolo just published an article on Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, titled THE RENUNCIATION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI — A POSTSCRIPT.  In it, he begins by marking the time since the death of Benedict XVI on December 31, 2022.  Bugnolo notes (emphasis added): It has been a year and … More Bugnolo: ‘The Maker and Unmaker of popes’

Formal Correction: Now is the time!

January 5, 2024 (Steven O’Reilly) – On December 18, 2023, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published the controversial Declaration Fiducia Supplicans. While claiming not to allow the blessing of same-sex unions or relationships, the document contradicted itself in allowing the blessing of same-sex “couples” as same-sex couples (see my prior article, Will Fiducia … More Formal Correction: Now is the time!

The Good, the Badde, and the Tendentious

January 3, 2024 (Steven O’Reilly) – The erroneous belief that Benedict XVI remained pope until his death, or Benepapism, continues to be a relevant topic. This is especially the case, now, that the Francis pontificate appears to be winding down. Of course, only God knows when it might end. However, various arch-Benepapists have taken a … More The Good, the Badde, and the Tendentious

Will Fiducia Supplicans Backfire on Pope Francis?

December 18, 2023 (Steven O’Reilly) – Today the DDF released a document titled Fiducia Supplicans, On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings.  This new DDF document now offers “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex,” something hitherto prohibited by Rome (cf Responsum of the Congregation for the … More Will Fiducia Supplicans Backfire on Pope Francis?

Other “canonical penalties” for Cardinal Burke?

November 29, 2023 (Steven O’Reilly) – In recent days news has come out that Pope Francis has decided to take steps to punish Cardinal Burke, per one report, for being his “nemico,” Italian for “enemy”. The original report appeared on the Italian website, La Bussola Quotidiana.  The article, titled “Il Papa: Via casa e stipendio … More Other “canonical penalties” for Cardinal Burke?