Cardinal Muller reports Pope Emeritus Benedict is 'disappointed' at his removal

Cardinal was removed from post at the end of June.

Cardinal Gerhard Muller has reported that Pope Emeritus Benedict was "disappointed" at his dismissal as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Cardinal Gerhard Muller has told the German press that Pope Emeritus Benedict was "disappointed" to hear of his dismissal as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Muller's contract was not renewed at the end of June, as is customary.

Cardinal Muller learned his contract would not be renewed in a brief meeting with Pope Francis on June 29 which he described as "abrupt." Traditionally, such contracts are renewed until the head of the Congregation retires or passes away. Cardinal Muller was appointed to the post by Pope Benedict XVI (now Pope Emeritus Benedict). Pope Francis has not given a reason for the Cardinal's removal, allowing speculation to abound.

Cardinal Muller's remarks and his report of Pope Emeritus Benedict's disappointment were published in the German paper, Die Welt.

While no reason has been stated for Cardinal Muller's dismissal, speculation has settled on his conflict with Pope Francis over his teaching on communion and divorce. The Church teaches that divorced Catholics cannot receive communion. Pope Francis has suggested that there may be cases where divorced Catholics can receive communion, prompting at least four other cardinals to question what the Holy Father means.

Pope Francis has retorted that his teaching is clear. Cardinal Muller also criticized the four cardinals who posed the question to Pope Francis, but he has also suggested an affirmation of the traditional teaching. Speculation suggests the pope dismissed Cardinal Muller because of this possible difference of opinion on doctrine.

Cardinal Muller has since commented that Pope Francis does not follow the Church's social teaching within the Vatican when it comes to how he treats subordinates. However, the pope is in a unique position.

Pope Francis works at the head of a 1.2-billion-member church, and faces extraordinary pressures. The Vatican is one of the world's most important places for an impressive array of reasons. It's reasonable that the pope will hold his subordinates to the highest standards of excellence, and they must get along. There is no reason whatsoever to question Cardinal Muller's credentials or excellence, but if he and Pope Francis disagreed on some vital point, and if the Pope did not feel he could work with the Cardinal, then it is his prerogative to dismiss him.

It is apparent there is a significant debate on this matter in the Vatican, however this should not be construed as a schism or some other issue, which is it not.

Popes have clashed with their cardinals and bishops at all times throughout the two-thousand-year history of the Church. This is part of a normal, healthy, functioning institution. It means the leadership are doing their jobs, which includes plotting a path forward. There are bound to be disagreements.

A greater sign for worry would be if there were none!

Cardinal Muller is justly disappointed. He has been dismissed from an important post of honor and responsibility. His role has been assumed by his lieutenant, Archbishop Luis Ladaria. But the Cardinal still has much work to do. He will be assigned a new role. He can write and publish and speak to people who will benefit from his deep theological mind and expertise. Let us always pray for our Church and the people who lead us.