If I were pope, my first words to those in the conclave would be …
“Thanks, and btw, don’t any of you go anywhere. The Third Vatican Council starts tomorrow at 6 pm with Mass in the Extraordinary Form, and that Mass will be followed by all of us consecrating Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Don’t be late”
I would then proceed to decree and command the following during the second day of the Council:
- Verterum Sapientia of Bl John XXIII will be enforced
- Beginning immediately, all seminaries will instruct all candidates to the priesthood to pray the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the 1962 missal exclusively. There will be no exceptions. All priests who have been ordained prior to the start of today’s session may pray either form of the Latin Rite until the time comes that they can not do so competently.
- The practice of administering Holy Communion into the hands of the laity will cease immediately. The laity shall be instructed to receive on the tongue while kneeling. Those physically unable to kneel may receive standing, lying, or sitting.
- The use of EMHC will cease immediately as will Communion under both species.
- The minor orders will be restored.
Then would follow an examination and review of each VII document and finally a rewrite of each one that is clear, concise, and orthodox. None will be left to interpretation.
Next up will be decisive action on the sex abuse scandal and liturgical abuses to insure any of such will remain the Church’s past.
Before the closing day of this Council, I will have had a list compiled of all clergy not in full communion with Rome. On the closing day, I will address them and make them aware of all that has been decreed and commanded by the Council. They will all (each and every member of their clergy) receive amnesty and have 30 days to come to Rome and claim it on bended knee. Those who refuse will be excommunicated and declared in formal schism.
Oh, and I’d be Alphonsus I
That’s what I’d do
