Opinion: “Unprecedented” by Carlos Martins

This is absolutely unprecedented in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

These accusations are being made by some of the most respected and reputable Catholic theologians.

Even if someone cannot see the plain logic and correctness of what is being asserted here (due to a lack of intellectual formation, due to an obstinate and willful stupidity, or due to demonic possession), then at least the ghastly section where the Pope’s personnel decisions are summarized (i.e., what lying, or perverted, or heretical prelate he promoted, affirmed, praised, etc.) should make one agree that the Church is on fire. The list begins with Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, then continues with Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, Cardinal Blase Cupich, etc… This is the first time I have seen such an “action list” of personnel decisions by the Pope, complete and in one place. Reading it made me want to vomit.

I grew up under the John Paul II and Benedict XVI papacies. John Paul II was the moral thinking Pope par excellence. His main work on moral theology, Veritatis Splendor, is, in my opinion, one of the greatest intellectual works in human history. It is stunningly beautiful and clear, and thoroughly Catholic. I do not recall a single respected theologian criticizing it (let alone a pack of them, such as those in this Open Letter). His teaching on the Theology of the Body was so beautiful and revolutionary, that it has inspired a new generation of Catholics who have found new grace and holiness in patterning their lives after it. John Paul II dispelled confusion. He never created it. He taught the Church’s belief regarding sexuality, marriage, and the Sacraments, plainly and simply. I might add that his intellectual prowess, combined with his ability as a shepherd, led to him captaining a tight ship. There was no funny business during his papacy.

Pope Benedict XVI is the theological genius Pope par excellence. He was John Paul’s right-hand man through almost all of his Papacy. His intellectual contribution to John Paul II’s papacy is well known. But aside from being a brain, Benedict was a genius as a pastor. Benedict was never heavy-handed, even to those who disagreed with him. Virtually all his theological or clerical enemies state that his charity towards them was unquestionable. And Benedict never compromised with the truth. For Benedict, to compromise with the truth is to place something above Jesus. It is to put God in second place. He would rather be torn limb from limb than do such a thing. When he taught something, he made the teaching so beautiful that it was impossible not to fall in love with it. Myself, if I read just a paragraph, it usually sits with me for days…

I long for the days of these two giant popes.

The proverb is true … you never know the true value of something until it’s gone.

Pray for the Church, friends. Pray very, very hard. This is the time when She needs you. She is in an intense period of spiritual darkness. We need prayers to combat it. Rally around your Mother.

Mother Mary, show us the way out of this darkness.

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Treasures of the Church is a ministry of evangelization of the Catholic Church.  Run by Fr. Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross, its purpose is to give people an experience of the living God through an encounter with the relics of his saints in the form of an exposition.  Each exposition begins with a multi-media presentation on the Church’s use of relics that is scriptural, catechetical, and devotional, leading to a renewal of the Catholic faith for many people.  After the teaching those in attendance have an opportunity to venerate the relics of some of their favorite saints.

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