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

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

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

Attending Mass in a Muslim Country – Letter from Abu Dhabi 

“The Abrahamic Family House” This is the second 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 (UAE), and the city of Abu Dhabi serves as the capital of the nation.  The first letter discussed the Cathedral complex. August … More Attending Mass in a Muslim Country – Letter from Abu Dhabi