By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture, Feb 22, 2024
Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org
(February 22 was).. the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, all good Catholics should be praying for Pope Francis.
Let’s be honest: It may not be easy to muster the enthusiasm we would like for a Pontiff who has so often caused confusion, dismay, and even anger—who has shattered hopes and awakened fears. But if we believe that Pope Francis has strayed off course (as I do, obviously), all the more reason to pray the Holy Spirit will guide him back to safe harbor. And if the prayers do not come easily, all the better for our Lenten penitence.
While we celebrate the certainty and unity that the See of Peter has brought to our faith over the centuries, the past decade has forced Catholics to question the nature of papal authority. When does a Pope teach with magisterial authority? When is he speaking for himself, and when does he represent Peter, the rock on whom the Lord built his Church? ….
Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org