SSPX Superior: ‘state of necessity much worse’ now after Francis’ ‘catastrophic’ papacy
The need for new bishops and the Society is far greater that it was at the time of the 1988 consecrations, according to the SSPX's Superior General.
(Pelican+) — The Superior General of the Society of Saint Pius X has explained the upcoming episcopal consecrations by saying that the much cited “state of necessity” is today “much worse” following Pope Francis’ “catastrophic” pontificate.
Since the February 2 announcement of upcoming episcopal consecrations by the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), there has been much discussion about what such an action will mean for the Church. Apologists for and against the move have taken their respective sides, and a handful of prominent cardinals and bishops have also weighed in – similarly divided over whether the Pope should approve the consecrations or not.
On March 10, the SSPX published a wide-ranging question and answer session with its Superior General Fr. Davide Pagliarani, recorded on February 7. In the 80-minute discussion, Pagliarani answers questions on why the consecrations are happening this particular summer, why they are deemed necessary by the Society in the first place, why the SSPX would not become one of the former Ecclesia Dei institutes, and whether such an action does not place them outside of ecclesial communion.
His answers demand careful reading and attention. Many theologians, canonists and Catholics are indeed divided on the issue of the consecrations.
Yet no matter one’s position on the topic, hearing the Society’s in-depth explanation for their actions is worthwhile to understand the SSPX’s position, given that this is arguably one of the largest issues in the Church today, and will likely be a hotly debated topic for many years to come. {It forms part of Per Mariam’s continued coverage of the developing current issue}
Necessity is “even more obvious today”
Asked about the “state of necessity” which is cited by the Society in justifying the consecrations, Pagliarani replied “we have a duty of charity: to do everything in our power, in our place, to save souls.”
Is the need for new bishops and the Society the same in the SSPX’s understanding as it was at the time of the 1988 consecrations?
For Pagliarani there is no doubt:
I think it’s even more obvious today. We have already given this definition of the state of necessity: it is the difficulty of finding, in a parish, the necessary means to ensure our salvation — the truth, the preaching of the truth, of Catholic morality, and the sacraments.
I think today is even worse. Much worse. The decisions taken by Pope Francis are catastrophic. Yes, catastrophic. Traditional morality regarding marriage has been ruined. She jumped. Always in the name, of course, of understanding, of listening, of the ability to adapt. And we thus come to justify everything.
The rest of this report conducted exclusively for Pelican+, is found at this link. Interested readers looking to follow this correspondent’s Vatican reporting for Pelican Media can do so here with the discount code “HAYNES.”