News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Pope-Francis-Colombia-main_article_image.jpg
AP Photo/Andrew Medichini
World News

Pope accused of heresy again

Sent to Francis last month, the contents of the document - signed by 65 theologians, priests and academics - have now been made public.

It said: "With profound grief... we are compelled to address a correction to Your Holiness on account of the propagation of heresies effected by the apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia and by other words, deeds and omissions of Your Holiness."

The statement referred to a Latin-titled declaration ('Joy of Love' in English) made by Pope Francis last year which prompted concerns he was opening the door to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics receiving Communion.

Under current Catholic doctrine, many divorced devotees around the world cannot go up to receive the sacramental bread and wine.

Among the signatories are Dr Joseph Shaw, a research fellow in philosophy at the University of Oxford, and former president of the Vatican bank, Monsignor Antonio Livi.

Speaking with Premier, Dr Shaw said: "It [the letter] represents an escalation, if you like, because it makes more explicit than before that what the pope seems quite clearly to be encouraging is incompatible with faith.

"It [the letter] sends the message that this is not acceptable to an increasingly large proportion of the Catholic faithful, and even if the pope chooses to ignore that it's something that's going to be taken into account by Curia officials."

Said to be the first time a pontiff has received a "filial correction" since the 14th century, the 25-page document accused Pope Francis of taking seven heretical positions.

Pope Francis' Joy of Love letter in April 2016 previously prompted four cardinals to request answers to their questions on the text.

The Vatican is yet to respond to the document.

Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking with Dr Joseph Shaw:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate