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Father Marko Rupnik & Father James Martin

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture, Dec 20, 2022

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.

Yesterday I did my best to explain that the laicization of Frank Pavone is neither unjust nor surprising—although the Vatican’s handling of the case leaves much to be desired. But many faithful Catholics continue to ask a very sensible question: Why is Pavone severely disciplined, when priests like Father James Martin and Father Marko Rupnik continue in good standing?

I can answer that question, too. Don’t blame me if you don’t like the answer; I don’t like it either.

Pavone was laicized, we are told, because of his “blasphemous communications” and his “persistent disobedience” to his ecclesiastical superiors. The charge of “blasphemous communications” has not been explained, and it is a charge that could be levelled against other clerics who denigrate the Church, her teachings, and her sacraments. …

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