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German Catholics expressed shock at a threat of discipline issued to theology professors by a bishop, in the aftermath of the row over Rome’s readmission of Holocaust-denier Richard Williamson.
I thought Catholics were allowed to criticize the pope?
In a letter made public Tuesday, Feb. 17, by his aides, Mueller demanded retractions and a personal apology by each to the pontiff.
Mueller said the petition [signed by the theology professors] implied that reconciling with the ultra-traditionalist group, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) meant the pope had permitted Catholics to challenge modern church teachings.
“This is not true,” he wrote. “You have shown yourself that you are not qualified to teach Catholic theology.” The letter threatened “further steps”…
One of the professors is a canon law professor who was “appalled” maybe b/c he knew his canon law rights:
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__PU.HTM
which seems to me to say that Catholics are free, to criticize the pope and petition him.
Can. 212 §3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.
According to canonist Ed Peters, “sacred pastors” is inclusive of the pope
I thought Catholics were allowed to criticize the pope?
In a letter made public Tuesday, Feb. 17, by his aides, Mueller demanded retractions and a personal apology by each to the pontiff.
Mueller said the petition [signed by the theology professors] implied that reconciling with the ultra-traditionalist group, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) meant the pope had permitted Catholics to challenge modern church teachings.
“This is not true,” he wrote. “You have shown yourself that you are not qualified to teach Catholic theology.” The letter threatened “further steps”…
One of the professors is a canon law professor who was “appalled” maybe b/c he knew his canon law rights:
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__PU.HTM
which seems to me to say that Catholics are free, to criticize the pope and petition him.
Can. 212 §3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.
According to canonist Ed Peters, “sacred pastors” is inclusive of the pope