Pope Francis Responds to Dubia on Doctrinal Questions

In a recent development from the Vatican, Pope Francis has released his original responses to a set of dubia, or doctrinal questions, submitted by five cardinals earlier this year. The responses, issued on July 11, pertain to highly-charged doctrinal questions on topics such as the development of doctrine, the Church's stance on blessing same-sex unions, the authority of the upcoming Synod on Synodality, sacramental ordination for women, and the necessity of repentance for sacramental absolution. These responses, which were made available on the Vatican's website, come amid criticisms from the cardinals for not receiving clear-cut "yes" or "no" answers to their questions.

Photo credit: Diocese of La Plata.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
10/2/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Pope Francis, Vatican, Dubia, Catholic doctrine, Synod on Synodality, Same-sex unions, Sacraments, Ordination, Repentance

The dubia, submitted by German Cardinal Walter Brandmuller, American Cardinal Raymond Burke, Chinese Cardinal Zen Ze-Kiun, Mexican Cardinal Juan Sandoval ĂŤniguez, and Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, were initially presented to Pope Francis on July 10. The cardinals raised concerns about various doctrinal matters and, in their statements to the media, indicated that the original responses did not provide clear solutions to their inquiries. In response, the cardinals decided to make their dubia public just days before the commencement of the Synod on Synodality, citing their ongoing doubts.

Pope Francis, in his responses, expressed his understanding of the cardinals' concerns and addressed them as "dear brothers." He acknowledged that while it may not always be prudent to respond to questions directed solely at him, he deemed it appropriate in this case due to the proximity of the synod.

The high-ranking Vatican official, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, criticized the cardinals for not releasing the pope's original responses simultaneously. He pointed out that the pope had provided these responses despite his numerous responsibilities. Fernandez expressed his disapproval of the cardinals' approach, stating that they were making it seem as though the pope was at their beck and call.

The cardinals defended their decision not to make the pope's responses public, asserting that they were specifically addressed to them and, therefore, should not be shared publicly.

In Pope Francis' detailed responses issued on July 11, he addressed each of the cardinals' questions thoroughly. Regarding the blessing of same-sex unions, he emphasized the Church's belief in marriage as an exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, open to procreation. However, he also emphasized the importance of pastoral charity and the need for pastoral prudence in discerning forms of blessing that do not contradict the Church's doctrine.

On the subject of the development of doctrine, Pope Francis emphasized that cultural changes and new challenges do not modify revelation, but the Church must interpret texts in a way that separates their essential truths from cultural influences, with a focus on the inalienable dignity of the human person.

Pope Francis addressed the question of the upcoming synod's authority by reaffirming the Church's synodal nature and the importance of real participation by all members, but he did not directly address the extent of the synod's authority.

In regards to the ordination of men to the priesthood, the pope stressed the importance of accepting the Church's teaching on the matter while also acknowledging the possibility of further study.

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Finally, Pope Francis affirmed the necessity of repentance for sacramental absolution, emphasizing the importance of pastoral care and the unconditional love of God, especially in cases where penitents face psychological challenges.

The public exchange of the cardinals' dubia and the pope's responses occurred just days before the commencement of the Synod on Synodality, which is not focused on doctrinal matters but on enhancing the participation of all Church members in its mission and communion. This discussion highlights the ongoing conversations within the Catholic Church on various doctrinal issues, underscoring the importance of dialogue and understanding from a faithful perspective.