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Canon Law and the Upcoming Conclave
Q1: Can you please explain for us how the papal conclave will work? And are there any major aspects of it that will be different this time, because Pope Benedict is still living? –Leah Q2: Who can,...
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When Will the Conclave Start? Pope Benedict’s Final Legislative Act
Q: I read the article “Canon Law and the Upcoming Conclave” and it was really helpful, but I have another question now. The 15-day rule has now been revised by Pope Benedict, correct? If so, has he...
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Why is Cardinal Mahony Voting in the Conclave?
Q: Could you please comment on the assertions by Cardinal Mahony [of Los Angeles, California] that he is required to participate in the upcoming conclave? Many Catholics are grouping to protest his...
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Canon Law and Two Popes
Q1: Could you please outline the canonical problems inherent in the fact that now we have two living Popes? –Rhonda Q2: Considering that all priests and bishops must belong to a diocese or religious...
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Is Nepotism Still an Issue in the Church?
Q: In the medieval and renaissance periods, the Church had many problems with nepotism. We hear nothing about this issue any more, but I’m wondering whether this is still a potential problem, at least...
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How Many Miracles are Required to Canonize a Saint?
Q: How many miracles are required before somebody can be canonized a saint? I thought that you needed three. But now the Pope has announced that John Paul II will be canonized after only two...
View ArticleWhy Are Some Suggesting That Francis’ Election Was Invalid?
Q1: I’ve read Vatican-commentators who claim that Pope Francis’ election may have been invalid, because he agreed to an agenda reforming the Church as the other cardinals wanted him to, and they say...
View ArticleHow Often Does the Pope Change Canon Law?
Q: You mention on your website that nobody but the Pope can change the Code of Canon Law. I’m wondering how often he really does that, if ever? Civil legislatures change laws and enact new laws every...
View ArticleHow Much Authority Does a Synod Actually Have?
Q: We’ve all been fixated on the Synod, but we never seem to have heard much about Synods in the Church before…. What kind of authority does a Synod actually have? And how is this one any different...
View ArticleWhy Does the Vatican Arrest Leakers, But Not Pedophile Priests?
Q: I read an article online, saying the Vatican just arrested five people for leaking and publishing confidential Vatican documents. Lots of anti-Catholic comments were posted under the article, asking...
View ArticleExcommunication and Bad-Mouthing the Pope
Q: During this Jubilee Year, “Missionaries of Mercy” have been sent around the world with special powers to lift excommunications. The Vatican Archbishop who made this announcement mentioned the...
View ArticleRepost: What Are the Church’s Current Rules on Indulgences?
(On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will give the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square, and under the proper conditions Catholics can gain a plenary indulgence. So it seems appropriate...
View ArticleIf the Church Has Never Permitted Divorce, Why Did Henry VIII Expect the Pope...
Q: I understand that the Catholic Church does not approve of divorce. But I do not understand why Henry VIII asked the Pope to grant him a divorce from his wife, and expected the Pope to grant it....
View ArticleCan You Be Both a Catholic and a Sedevacantist?
Q: I have recently become friends with someone who follows Sedevacantism. It has provided an opportunity for me to be challenged to more fully understand church teaching. Would you consider sharing...
View ArticleCan a Pope Commit Heresy? (“Heresy” Defined)
Q: In theory, can a Pope commit heresy? If so, I’m trying to figure out who could declare that he was a heretic. What would happen? –Thomas A: This question had already been asked, before the...
View ArticleCould a Pope Ever Be Excommunicated? (“Excommunication” Defined)
Q: There are certain enumerated acts which trigger automatic, latae sententiae excommunication. Some of these acts could conceivably be performed by a Pope; for instance, it seems a Pope could help...
View ArticleCan the Pope Validly Marry People on an Airplane?
Q: It would seem that [during his trip to Chile] Pope Francis received and blessed a couple who actually celebrated the sacrament of Holy Matrimony on the Pope’s flight. At first glance, according to...
View ArticleWho Decides What Constitutes a Valid Sacrament?
Q: Canon law makes marriage illicit, not invalid. In your article “Are SSPX Sacraments Valid,” you quoted Canon 1108.1 that if the marriage isn’t celebrated in front of the bishop, pastor, or his...
View ArticleSex-Abuse Scandals and Papal Responsibility
Q: What can we do, as lay faithful, to remove bad clergy from office? My guess is probably nothing. It’s hard to believe we are completely powerless under such extreme circumstances. Theologically,...
View ArticleWho’s in Charge of the Diocese When There’s No Bishop?
Q: We have a lot of confusion in our parish…. Complicating the equation, our diocesan bishop has retired and the Pope has yet to name his successor. We have a diocesan administrator, but he is also...
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