Now that the Holy See is vacant, are sedevacantists (temporarily) in full communion?

[Lormar]

I didnt realise until reading some of the links on this thread just how deep this division was. is it fair to say that, whereas the SSPX are in irregular standing and can be regularised if they will submit to certain conditions, the SSPV and other Sedevacantists groups deny so much of the Church’s authority that it would be impossible for there to be an institutional reconciliation, only individuals repenting and returning to the Church?

Nothing is impossible with God. However, as time goes on, they become more hardened in their position. You must keep them in your prayers.

 

[oratorymatt]

Not impossible at all, I know there were some SV nuns who came over not so long ago. Can’t remember from which SV organisation off the top of my head, Very, very difficult in general terms though don’t want to be associated with the ‘modernist anti church’

 

[Genesis315]

I didnt realise until reading some of the links on this thread just how deep this division was. is it fair to say that, whereas the SSPX are in irregular standing and can be regularised if they will submit to certain conditions, the SSPV and other Sedevacantists groups deny so much of the Church’s authority that it would be impossible for there to be an institutional reconciliation, only individuals repenting and returning to the Church?

The main problem is there really is no sedevacantist institution. They are basically Congregationalist: a few independent congregations, clergy, individuals, and websites scattered here and there with no real bonds of unity between them and often explicit divisions (some don’t recognize others as legitimate, etc.).

Even the case of the nuns mentioned above who were reconciled–it was just some of their congregation, not the whole thing.

 

[Digitonomy]

Digitonomy:

I would think such people aren’t sedevacantists (they don’t really think the see is empty), but followers of an antipope.

Yes, and they believe that we are about to elect another anti-pope. I just don’t get it. Following that thinking I guess there will never be a real one?

No, following that thinking they’ve already got their “real one.” For instance, followers of the Palmarian Catholic Church now have their third pope in the new See of Palmar de Troya, since the death of Pope Paul VI, who they think was drugged and held captive at the Vatican by Masons or wicked cardinals or some such.

 

[larsont7]

From what I’ve gathered from sedevacantists on other fora, sedevacantism is a theological position stating that it is possible for the Chair of St. Peter to be vacant, even for an extended period of time. In fact, I’ve heard that the SSPV states that it is up to each individual to decide for themselves whether the See of Peter is vacant and that the Society itself does not make that distinction.

I believe most other groups like the CMRI and Independents strictly hold the sedevacantist position, but I may be mistaken (probably won’t get too many SV’s on here to agree with or dispute that claim).

Most sedevacantists do not follow an anti-pope (“Pope” Michael has 30 followers, last I saw). While I disagree with the sedevacantist thesis, I think it’s wrong to label them as anything but Catholic, insofar as they are doing what they believe is the will of the Church. They definitely need our prayers, but then again, so does our entire Church during these times.

 

[Lucky7]

No, following that thinking they’ve already got their “real one.” For instance, followers of the Palmarian Catholic Church now have their third pope in the new See of Palmar de Troya, since the death of Pope Paul VI, who they think was drugged and held captive at the Vatican by Masons or wicked cardinals or some such.

Oh, I am not talking about those who have elected their own “anti-pope”. I am referrign to those who believe that we haven’t had a real Pope since Vatican II. Not all have appointed themselves a “pope”. To which I still ask the question, if there aren’t real popes since Vatican II, how can there ever be? It just doesn’t make sense to me.

 

[Digitonomy]

To which I still ask the question, if there aren’t real popes since Vatican II, how can there ever be? It just doesn’t make sense to me.

If there haven’t been real popes since Vatican II, there are at least two ways that the Church could get a new one. One, the people and clergy of Rome could elect a bishop to occupy the See of Rome. Two, the bishops of the Church could select a pontiff. The second option has the advantage that the pope need not be of or in Rome.