Fr Franz Schmidberger, the former superior general of the Society of St Pius X (SSPX), has told members of the society that, if it gains official status within the Church, it will create a “healthy turmoil” in which “the good would be encouraged, the malevolent will suffer a defeat”.
Fr Schmidberger, currently rector of the SSPX seminary in Germany, wrote a letter addressed to “all members”, discussing the possibility that, under Pope Francis, the society’s situation will be regularised.
Speculation of a Vatican-SSPX agreement has grown since a meeting earlier this month between Pope Francis and the society’s current superior general, Bishop Bernard Fellay.
The letter criticised the Pope for his “liberal ideas” and for creating “a great confusion in the Church”.
But it added that Jesus Christ “allowed his ascent to the papal throne”, and suggested that perhaps “only Pope Francis is able to take this step [normalisation], by unpredictability and improvisation.” Fr Schmidberger said that Pope Francis’s popularity might allow him to take the step, whereas Benedict XVI could not have done.
The SSPX, founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1970, lacks a canonical status within the Church. Agreement has broken down over the Second Vatican Council, whose statements on religious freedom, ecumenism and liturgical revision the SSPX says it cannot accept in their present form.
In 1988 Archbishop Lefebvre and a fellow bishop consecrated four bishops without Vatican permission, resulting in the excommunication of all six. The excommunications were lifted in 2009, but discussions broke down three years later. Under Pope Francis, however, there has been some progress in discussions.
Fr Schmidberger’s letter suggested that the SSPX could become a “personal prelature”, like Opus Dei. He answers possible objections to such a deal, including the possibility that the SSPX would have to water down its positions.
He wrote: “We will not be silent; moreover we will point out the errors by name. Before and after our normalisation.”
Before concluding with a prayer to the Virgin Mary, Fr Schmidberger wrote: “If God wants to help His Church indeed He has many means. One of them is the recognition of the SSPX by the Roman authorities.”
French cardinal faces clergy over abuse scandal ‘errors’
A French cardinal under judicial investigation over his handling of sexual abuse accusations against clergy has admitted making mistakes and unveiled new anti-abuse measures at a meeting with his priests.
“[Cardinal Barbarin] has accepted the archdiocese committed errors in managing and nominating certain priests and has reiterated how important it is for victims of sexual abuse … to see their right to truth and justice recognised,” Lyon archdiocese said.
The statement was published following a meeting between Cardinal Philippe Barbarin and 220 priests from his archdiocese. The La Croix daily said the three-hour closed meeting included testimony from at least one victim. It said participants described the atmosphere as “fraternal but non-complacent”, and said some priests had made “virulent criticisms” of the cardinal’s conduct, while others urged clergy to “stick together”.
The archdiocese said that, among other measures, a “listening cell” would be set up for victims to discuss their needs with clinical psychologists, and a “college of experts” would meet twice a month to “study and analyse” cases of alleged abuse.
Indian bishop survives kidnap
A Catholic bishop in southern India was kidnapped and beaten last week by unknown attackers demanding five million rupees (£50,000).
Bishop Prasad Gallela of Cuddapah was blindfolded, handcuffed and forcibly taken away while he was travelling home after celebrating Mass. He was released the next day 55 miles from his diocese.
Archbishop Thumma Bala of Hyderabad has appealed for police to investigate the case thoroughly.
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