A cadre of cardinals has voiced concerns regarding the evolving landscape of Catholic doctrine in anticipation of the forthcoming Synod on Synodality.
Cardinals Raymond Burke, Walter Brandmüller, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, and Robert Sarah submitted a series of dubia – formal inquiries – to both the Pope and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, seeking clarity on theological matters back in July.
These dubia specifically sought clarification on five areas where the cardinals perceived ambiguity from the Holy See: the unalterable nature of divine revelation, the suitability of blessings for same-sex couples, the hierarchical authority of bishops, the ordination of women to the priesthood, and the necessity for repentance as a requirement for sacramental absolution.
Typically, dubia warrant straightforward “yes” or “no” responses. However, Pope Francis responded to these queries at length during the same month, delivering his answers in his native Spanish language. The Vatican then made these responses accessible to the public on a Monday.
Prior to the public release of these answers, the group of cardinals, discontent with the Pope’s lengthy responses, resubmitted the dubia with a demand for concise affirmative or negative replies in the same month.
Even after this second submission, the cardinals did not receive the straightforward responses they sought. Consequently, they published a revised set of questions in multiple languages for lay Catholics.
Cardinal Burke, one of the United States’ most prominent Catholic figures, stated, “Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we have expressed our deepest concerns to the Roman Pontiff.”
In response, media and activists seized upon the Pope’s comprehensive answers, endeavoring to glean insights into the pontiff’s ideology and ecclesiastical aspirations.
Numerous outlets inaccurately reported that Pope Francis endorsed the notion of same-sex marriage within the church based on his responses.
However, the Pope maintained the church’s doctrinal stance, reaffirming that “marriage” is an institution exclusive to a man and a woman participating in the sacrament of matrimony.
“The Church maintains a clear understanding of marriage: an exclusive, enduring, and unbreakable union between a man and a woman, naturally oriented towards procreation. This union is termed ‘marriage.’ Other forms of unions merely approximate it ‘in a partial and analogous manner,’ and therefore cannot be rightfully designated as ‘marriage,'” penned Pope Francis.
“It is not merely a matter of terminology, but the fundamental truth that what we recognize as marriage possesses a distinct essential essence that warrants an exclusive label, unsuitable for other concepts. It is unequivocally more than a mere ‘ideal.'”
Certain segments of conservative Catholics have expressed profound apprehension about the implications of the Synod, fearing that involving non-clergy individuals in the discussions may lead to the “democratization” of the Church.
Following this month’s deliberations, the Synod will reconvene in October 2024 to draft a final document containing recommendations for church governance, which will be submitted for the Pope’s consideration. It is essential to note that the Synod does not possess binding authority.
Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized that the Synod should not be perceived as a “parliament for asserting rights.” Rather, he characterizes it as “a journey guided by the Spirit.”
Bishop Robert Barron concurs with this perspective, affirming that the Synod is not a forum for debating doctrine. He emphasized, “It is primarily focused on strategy, especially in the Western context, where many individuals have become disconnected from the Church for various reasons. The Synod aims to explore better approaches to reconnect with them and re-engage them. Doctrine is not the focal point of our discussions.“
