Adhering to the Papacy When Popes Go Astray, by Michael Gonzalez

By Michael Gonzalez, Crisis Magazine, Aug. 5, 2021

Michael Gonzalez is a PhD candidate in political science at Baylor University. There he studies classical, Christian, and early modern political thought, focusing on the enduring questions related to religion’s role in political life.

Pope Francis’ motu proprio Traditionis custodes has perplexed (or even shaken the faith of) many Catholics who find refuge in the sacred tradition preserved by the old Mass. Perhaps some souls are motivated by the nostalgia that Pope Francis has cited. But surely something deeper than romanticism motivates young families to endure inconvenience for the sake of a High Mass.

A Catholic deeply attached to the sacred and disappointed in Francis’ decision may therefore be tempted to hold out hope for the New Pope of St. John Bosco’s final dream. Faced with the Church’s last great struggle, “The new Pope, putting the enemy to rout and overcoming every obstacle, guides the ship right up to the two columns [the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother] and comes to rest between them….”  …

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