The Reconciliation of Ernesto Cardenal

Ernesto Cardenal, with stole, during the first Mass after lifting his suspension a divinis.

The Catholic journalist Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña, one of the most well-known Spanish columnists and bloggers on Church issues, has never made a secret of his rejection of Marxist liberation theology and his criticism of their representatives such as Ernesto Cardenal. His grandfather had been murdered by the Marxists in the Spanish Civil War because, as a Catholic and an industrialist, he belonged to the "wrong" credo and the "wrong" class. He knows about what is supposedly meant well but can lead to wrong ideas.

Progressive Church circles celebrate the pardon of Cardenal by Pope Francis and take the opportunity once again to repeat their dislike of Pope John Paul II, who suspended Cardenal a divinis in 1984. This reaction was predictable and contains nothing new. How much more remarkable, however, is the conciliatory tone found by a hard critic of Cardenal like Fernandez de la Cigoña. The Spanish journalist sheds light on the extent to which the devout Catholic rejoices over anyone who returns to the full unity of the Church, and over any suspended or apostate priest who rightfully practices his sacrament of Holy Orders, even if he was once a harshly criticized opponent.

The video at the end of the article shows from minute 1:08 also Pope John Paul II’s meeting with Ernesto Cardenal, then Sandinista minister in Nicaragua. The gesture of the head of the Church clarifies the drama of the moment. He demanded Cardenal's immediate resignation as Minister of Culture, which he refused.

Here is the comment by Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña on the pardon of Ernesto Cardenal by Pope Francis in full:

Penalties waived against Ernesto Cardenal

by Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña

The penalties against Ernesto Cardenal have been lifted. That seems to me very good. He is 94 years old. He is in a hospital and looks very bad. It goes so far that it is not clear in the photos whether he is still fully conscious. Did he celebrate the Mass? Did he concelebrate? Whatever it is, it makes me very happy.

A priest of Jesus Christ who has been suspended for his political activities, minister of a Marxist government, communist, or whatever you wish to qualify it as, who has violated all the rules of the Church, is called by Pope Francis in articulo mortis [in the face of death] or almost pardoned. 

Blessed Mercy of the Church.

Like the Claretian priest and liberation theologian Pedro Casaldáliga, Cardenal was considered a poet. For me he was never a writer, this attribution was misleading. There is no merit in his literary work; on the contrary, it seemed to me right rubbish, which was crammed with the prevailing leftist thinking. He always seemed to me to be an eccentric who was especially concerned about his fame. But perhaps he was misunderstood, even though his life conveyed exactly that impression. All his Sandinista passion ended in a radical opposition to the system he advocated and which had cost him the suspension a divinis. He was really mobile like a donna. (1)

I read that a few years ago he rejected the pardon of the Church. In old age you may know it better, as in his now. So we want to believe that he has now reconciled himself with the Church before his conscience - and above all in the infinite grace of God, which overcomes all our weaknesses.

John Paul II raised his accusing finger against him as he had to. The criticism of the Jesuit Pedro Miguel Lamet, even now, is even more regrettable. Now if Francis generously offered his hand, then that is as it should be. He has not acquitted a Sandinista, but a priest from his past mistakes. Now he can look forward to the mercy of the Church. And we too. Today, Cardenal is against Daniel Ortega, though that does not matter anymore in his state of doubtful consciousness. When he expressed his opposition to the Ortega system, he was still conscious.

Because of his age and my age, I'm sure I'll never meet Ernesto Cardenal. If anything happened tomorrow, I would also devoutly ask him, "Bless me, Father." And I would be able to receive his blessings from him with the permission of the Church. That pleases me a lot.

The pictures say a lot about the Pope's mercy. At least this time.

There are a few more, but I hold back.

If someone thinks that you should not publish such photos, then please do not complain to me, but on the progressive websites Lamet and Religion Digital.

Text: Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña
Übersetzung: Giuseppe Nardi
Bild: Religion Digital (Screenshot)

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

_________________________________________

(1) A play Canzone „La donna è mobile“ (The Lady is temperamental, fickle) in the Opera  Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi.

AMDG

Pope Francis Throws Ex-Superior General of the Mercedarians out of the Priesthood and the Order

Announcement of the Mercedarian Province of Chile:
Pope Francis Acknowledges Dismissal of the Former
Superior General from the Priesthood and Order

(Rome / Santiago de Chile) On April 20, the Chilean Mercedarian Province published the scarcely noticed news that the most severe Church punishments have been imposed by Pope Francis upon the former Superior General of the Order, Mariano Labarca Araja. The Vatican has not given any opinion on this.

The message of the Order, the silence of the Vatican

The Chilean Mariano Labarca was from 2004-2010 the 86th Superior General of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy for the Ransom of Prisoners (Ordo Beatae Mariae de Mercede redemptionis captivorum) founded in 1218, better known as Mercedarian Order. Since 1574, the General Magister has been elected for six years.

The Chilean Province said:

"Father Pedro MLA (ex-General Superior) was dismissed from the priesthood and the Order by decree of HH Francis, so he is no longer a priest and no longer a religious. This decision, which is irrevocable, has been taken after careful examination of the case brought to light in 2013, because of the serious damage to the priestly dignity and religious vows."

Labarca in "better" times

According to Spanish and Latin sources, the "reported case" appears to have involved sexual abuse. The case started in May 2013. The extent to which Pope Francis himself has been personally interested in the matter or has routinely signed the laicization decree is not known.

It is more astonishing that "there are cases of priests who are broadly and publicly treated and accused, and others, of whom we hear nothing, or just as good as nothing, as is the case here. The Spanish Catholic columnist, Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña, is an attentive observer of the Church's developments in Latin America.

Mariano Labarca, for six years as a Superior General, led this Order rich in tradition, which included numerous Saints, including the founder and first General Magister Petrus Nolascus, Raimund of Peñafort, Raimund Nonnatus, Petrus Armengol and Seraprion, the first martyr of the Order. All these saints lived in the first 100 years of the Order, which at that time developed a very extraordinary charism.

The Mercedarian Order - For the Ransom of Enslaved Christians

The Holy Founder Petrus Nolascus

The Mother of God had appeared to the Occitan nobility, Petrus Nolascus, in 1218, who asked him to found an order to buy Christians, who were in Islamic captivity. Even then the south of Spain was still under Islamic rule. Until the eighteenth century, Islamic princes, army leaders and pirates sailed all over the Mediterranean and the European coasts. They attacked ships and Europe's coastal areas and, according to recent estimates, carried at least two million Christians as slaves to North Africa and the Middle East.

The Mercedarian Order collected money to buy the enslaved Christians in the south of Iberia, as well as in North Africa, which, because of the great hardship caused by the slaving of the Muslims in Iberia, also a few other Orders. When no money was available, the Mercedarians offered themselves as pledge to obtain the release of other Christians. Their actions were a "triumph of mercy" in the history of the Church.

Because of this original charism, the Order is still active in the prison system.

During the period when the Habsburgs also ruled over Spain, a Mercedarian monastery was established in Vienna, but in 1782 it fell victim to the Josephine sack of the monasteries.

Determined defense by the progressive side

Today, the Order is only a shadow of its former greatness. Today, however, little is known about the names of the great saints from the beginning of the Order. In 2015 it counted 581 members, but in large part this is over aged. The Mercedarian Order is responsible for the most important place of pilgrimage in Sardinia, the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria, named after the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires.

While the Labarca case is hardly to be read in the media, the former priest and former Mercedarian, the Basque Xabier Pikaza Ibarrondo, published on the progressive Spanish news site Periodista Digital an unconditional defense of the former Superior General. The contentious, progressive theologian Pikaza was not laicized punitively, but gave up his priesthood and left the Order to marry.

Pikaza criticizes the "zero tolerance" as unchristian. It contradicts the commandment of repentance and reconciliation. Labarca, who until a few years ago played a considerable role in the Church of Chile and was described as a possible bishop, had not been condemned by any secular court. His ecclesiastical condemnation had taken place in the silent chamber. The possibility of defense was doubtful, no one knew with what he was being charged. He, Pikaza, had tried to contact his old religious brother during the proceedings, which was not possible. He had only been informed by the Order that the ex-Superior General should not be in contact with the outside world on the instructions of the Vatican.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Mercedarian Chiles / Wikicommons (Screenshot)
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...
AMDG

Has Pope Francis Finally Addressed the "Dubia"? -- "No to Communion for Remarried Divorced and Abortion Politicians"

Chile's Bishops report concerning their visit to Rome that Pope Francis declared a "clear no"
to Communion for the remarried divorced and for politicians who promote abortion.  Has the Pope changed his disposition? The President, Msgr. Santiago Silva and General Secretary, Auxilliary Bishop Fernando Ramos (Right)

(Rome) As it appears, Pope Francis has no longer any "doubts", according to the reports of the Chilean bishops who recently made their ad limina visit to Rome. The papal statements reported by them are a radical turn-around. "Since it is unacceptable that the President of the Chilean Episcopal Conference and his Secretary General have invented the words of the Pope, the news is of the utmost importance," said the Spanish columnist, Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña. "As Fernandez de la Cigoña says," some of the statements sound as if Cardinal Burke had spoken. "What happened?

The allusion to the "doubts" refers to the "Dubia" (doubt), which gave the four cardinals addressed to the pope against controversial parts of the Post-Synodal letter Amoris laetitia to the Pope. For more than five months, the head of the Catholic Church has refused to respond to the five questions on central themes of the faith and morality. Shortly before Christmas, one of the four signatories, Cardinal Burke, spoke of a reprimand in camera caritatis. If this did not come to anything, the Pope would be subject to a public reprimand.

Now, the leaders of the Chilean Episcopal Conference reported that Pope Francis had explained the doctrine of the Church with "clear words".

"The Pope!" says Fernandez de la Cigoña.

Cancellation of situational ethics - Only voluntary celibacy not on the papal agenda

The Chilean daily El Mercurio conducted a joint interview with the President and Secretary General of the Chilean Bishops' Conference. One focus was the ad limina visit to Rome and the question of the remarried and divorced. Both confirmed that  Pope Francis instilled to them a clear "no to the Communion for remarried divorced persons and for politicians who pronounce for abortion."

The Secretary-General, Monsignor Fernando Ramos, also disagreed with the statement that Pope Francis had spoken in an interview with the weekly newspaper Die Zeit for the abolition of priestly celibacy. The Pope has made it clear "that a more voluntary celibacy is not in his agenda".

On the question of the Communion for remarried and divorced, Francis had rejected a "situational ethic" and told an anecdote from his family to clarify the matter.

"What happened?"

The distinct "no" to the communion for remarried divorced persons told to the Chilean bishops upon their visit to Rome led Fernandez de la Cigoña to the question:

"What happened? I dont know. Something has happened, for what Francis has told the Chilean bishops is not what can be read out from Amoris laetitia and read out by two cretins on Malta and most of the German bishops, and certainly not what Francis told  the Argentine bishops in a letter. 

So what happened? 

I dont know. But it may be that Francis saw the situation in which he had ridden the Church, but he did not want to enter into history causing a schism with incalculable consequences. His popularity among those who really count in the Church has declined sharply. Not a few have sussed out the not infrequently meaningless verbal chaos and have convinced themselves of the arguments of their opponents. 

Perhaps he himself has realized that the arguments of his opponents have a great weight, for if all the popes before him have taught something else, it seems quite obvious that  all the others may not have been wrong, but he is wrong. Everyone who wants to hear what he wants to hear is applauded in the short term, but in the medium term the voice of the pope falls into disrepute because different interpretations, which can be called upon, devalue his voice. 

Now it is time to wait to see if the statements of the Chilean bishops or the contrary are confirmed. Everything is possible. Their statements are excellent, including the personal anecdote about his niece, who is married to a divorced man. The divorced, a Catholic, goes to the confessional and says to the confessor: "I know you can not absolve me, but bless me." The married nephew is clearly aware of his situation. And apparently this also applies to the papal uncle. 

I think these are very important statements about which we can look forward. All Catholic. I know, of course, that it is still difficult to assess its real significance and scope in comparison to other statements to the contrary: What will tomorrow bring?"

Also important is the papal "no" to the communion for politicians who pronounce in favor of or use abortion. How does this attitude fit in with the latest testimony of the pope confidant Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo? Sorondo had explained in an interview with Jan Bentz for Arrangements that he talks to the abortion promoters because that will "do more". Specifically, he addressed "more" in the fight against the "new slavery" to the UN agenda. At the same time, Sanchez Sorondo frontally attacked the Pro-Life movement and accused them of "achieving nothing".

Text. Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Infocatolica / Vatican.va (screenshot)
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...
AMDG

Sexual Abuse Claims Shake the Anglican Church in Australia

(Brisbane) The Anglican Church of Australia is overloaded with accusations of sexual child abuse. A total of 1084 charges have so far been received. According to media reports, 75 percent of the victims are eleven-year-old boys.

The cases take place in the period 1980-2015. The data emerge from the report by the Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which was established by the State in 2013.

569 alleged perpetrators are identified. 247 of these are pastors, 285 laymen, and 37 are lacking a precise classification. 94 percent of the perpetrators are men.

The Anglican Archbishop, Philip Freier, expressed his "consternation" about the revelations of the commission of inquiry. "We are deeply ashamed," says Freier.

In recent years the Catholic Church in Australia had been shaken by sexual abuse.

"The scandal in the Anglican Church is no cause for schadenfreude because it has caught others this time. The case, however, confirms that sexual abuse of children is not a specific feature of the Catholic Church, as some have shown. Not to mention sports clubs and certain secular children's and youth groups," said Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Photo: ANN (Screenshot)

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

"Divisions, Controversies and Disputes" -- A Pope Who Confuses and Gives Me Cause for Great Concern

 By Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña *

I do not read the countless words of Pope Francis, for various reasons.

First, because there are so many that it is simply impossible for me. I have no intention of spending my life reading the pope. My faith does not ask it of me. If he should take one day, to proclaim something ex cathedra that will find all my attention.

Secondly, so as not to be offended in what my Church convictions are. After all, I did not invent them. Rather, they are what the Church has always taught. Me and everyone else, and that for two thousand years. Beliefs that go back to the words of Jesus Christ Himself. Or were they not His words?

Thirdly, because some of the things he says or of which he is said to be speaking to me are questionable, and I have neither the time nor the desire to deepen my studies in order to clarify these matters.

Fourthly, and this is a very strong aspect for me because I observe that all the enemies of the Church are satisfied with the Pope, while really good sons of the Church, some of them of great learning, are not a little worried.

The Pope, who is now the Pope, and in this I have not the slightest doubt, is no angel. And if an angel came ...

Today I read the article in a newspaper ( ABC ), which is clearly not against Francis, but very fond of him. Since the Vatican did not deny the statements made in it, I believe it to be true. ABC is not such a meager blog like mine, where you "read nothing". It is a newspaper that is read a lot by the Catholics of Spain.

According to ABC, the pope has called for "fewer divisions, clashes and controversies", which is very good. But something is lost in the transmission when these divisions, clashes, and controversies are generated by the pope himself.

Let us revisit what is in the newspaper Aurora borealis: One should "not be back drilling on their own opinion," we must "listen with respect and accept others' opinions."

This statement seems to me, with all due respect, a papal stupidity. Respect is and always is recommended, but the beliefs of others can only be valid as a rule, if one of these opinions persuade and one therefore renounces one's own. But if they seem to be completely misleading, then one is well advised to make it known. One thing is to respect the one who expresses an opinion, it is something else entirely to respect his opinion. However, Pope Francis usually seems to be little happy in the choice of words. In contrast to him I do not think that proselytizing is something bad.

I think, therefore, that it is better not to read everything the Pope says, plainly speaking, almost nothing. I will limit myself to reading the titles of the media. And, of course, I am always willing to take everything back if I have deceived myself. Nothing is more beautiful to me than to speak well about the Pope, my Pope. He is, however, very much concerned that this is not the case.

* Fernando Fernandez de la Cigoña Núñez, from a noble family of Galicia, studying law and economics, a journalist, like his father, with a focus on the Catholic Church, the publication of several books mainly on the history of ideas and Church, married, father of five children, La Cigüeña de la Torre is one of the most read Catholic blogs in Spain. His grandfather was murdered in the Spanish Civil War by the Popular Front.

Translation: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: La Cigüeña de la Torre

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

 to press

The Archbishop of Bologna Puts the Christ Child in Rainbow Flag

Christ Child in Rainbow Flag

 (Rome) Matteo Maria Zuppi of the Community of Sant'Egidio was appointed Archbishop of Bologna in late October 2015 by Pope Francis as the successor to Cardinal Carlo Caffarra. He has been in office for 13 months. He is the opposite of his predecessor, one of the signatories of the Dubia (doubts) to Pope Francis on the controversial post-synodal Letter Amoris laetitia .

Upon taking up his position in Bologna, Msgr. Zuppi, committed himself to build mosques. The anger of the well-known Spanish Catholic columnist and blogger, Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña, the Archbishop moved himself to do  a "stupid" gesture for Christmas.

Zuppi, together with other appointees, is reckoned, among the shepherds "with the smell of the sheep," which Pope Francis several times suggested of model shepherds.

De la Cigoña, well-known for his blunt language, described Msgr. Zuppi as "a fool who we shall soon see as a cardinal." De la Cigoña's anger was aroused by a Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Zuppi with the Jesus Child in a crib on a rainbow flag.

"Symbols are not meant to be playthings. The crib for the Jesus child can also not be adorned with a swastika or a communist flag or a Coca-Cola flag. It can't even be a gay flag, or the flag of a soccer club.  

Perhaps in the future we will also see a Jesus child with a condom, or with the portrait of Donald Trump. With such 'original' bishops, everything is possible."

When De la Cigoña was made aware that in Italy the rainbow flag, is almost identical to the aberrosexual flag, is a symbol of the Christian peace movement, he took it into his "foolish head" and apologized to Archbishop Zuppi.

However, what de la Cigoña has written also applies to the peace movement: the crib of the Jesus child should not be draped with the flag of a peace movement.

The jury is still out on the use of a symbol that is similar to the other. There is no doubt that the aberro-movement has for the time being has carried through with the flag conflict and has usurped the rainbow, symbolizing the "covenant" with God in the Old Testament. That the Christian peace movement in Italy has  continued to use the rainbow colors, although it could be confused with the gay movement, as De la Cigoña did, gives proof that has to do with the fact that this peace movement is supported mainly by the left Catholic circles who usually have no problems with the aberrosexual flag. The potential confusion is obviously accepted.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: InfoVaticana

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

Aberro-Delusion: "The Fool Wears His Heart on His Sleeve"

"Wisdom is like a prison to the fool, understanding is a
shackle to the uncomprehending."  Sirach 21:18

(Madrid) "Are they crazy?" Is what Spanish church historian and well-known Catholic blogger, Francisco Fernandez de la Cigoña, wonders in connection with the accompanying picture. It shows Argentine Catholic women religious and gay activists who are shown together laughing  around gay flags and other LGBT flags.

Lesbian women religious or Catholic homosexuals? Neither is likely to be the answer, but it's the big new fashion to engage in propaganda for homosexuality and even to be proud it. The nuns are from the Argentine city of Saenz Peña Chaco.

Homo-flags hang from ministries and town halls. Christian Democratic parties do not differ from those of liberal or leftist parties. Everyone wants to be in the big race not to be too late  to be fashionable. Homosexuals are marching proudly in front, even among politicians, as they had reached a highly developed state of humanity with their unnatural sexual practices.  "No one has anything to say?" Asks de la Cigoña into space. A variety of responses were received on his blog: "Why should not a few women religious and lay Catholics join in  this fashion as they've run after other fashions in previous decades? That's much more convenient than to preach and evangelize," went the ironic query of a commentator on de la Cigoña.

"Consensus-relativism always at the expense of Revelation"

"The political left wrapped itself in the homo-flag, just as left-Catholicism also has gripped this flag. Who follows whom here? The left the cross? It is rather the other way around, as in the past. From history people learn hardly anything anyway," said another.

"This, 'gay pride' in the picture emblematically presents the consensus-relativism of our time. Everything is up for grabs, not categorical, but  submitted to the dominant opinion. How likely is it that the dominant opinion is Catholic? The consensus-relativism therefore is always at the expense of the revealed word of God,"  said another comment. And another: "In the Book of Sirach it says. The number of fools and gossips is infinite."
"If they do misguided things, then they drag out the habit, otherwise they run around in civilian clothes."

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Torre de la Cigüeña

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

AMDG

Tonga, Xai Xai, Cape Verde Before Brussels, Venice and Turin -- The New Cardinals

(Madrid / Rome) The Spanish Catholic Church Historian and well-known blogger, Francisco de la Cigoña has published his interpretation of the new cardinals to be appointed by Pope Francis,   according to the motto: Let us be glad it could all have been worse.

Very  Franciscan and therefore very surprising he has created 20 new cardinals, fifteen voting and five  over 80 years of age.

It is thought that only the voters are important, but this is not so. The appointment of cardinals who have reached the age of 80, also has its importance. It reflects primarily whom the Church recognizes and provides information about the weights or the whims of a pope. A cardinal comes in rank before any bishop or bishop emeritus of whatever diocese. If one were to speak of the retired Bishop of Xai Xai, the vast majority do not even know where that is. But a Cardinal Langa has weight.

Next Cardinal Consistory by 2017 -  Lehmann's Departure Will be a "Great Day for the Church" 

Pope Francis has appointed five electors   more than Paul VI. which was determined with the maximum limit of 120. By March 2016, except given a sudden death, no seat will therefore be vacant in the electoral college of the Catholic Church.The Cardinals Naguib (18 March 2015), Rigali (April 19), De Paolis (September 19), Abril (September 21) and Mahony (27 February 2016) will be the next to complete 80 years of age and depart as voters. Their vacant seats are already occupied now by Pope Francis' appointments. It was not until the 80th birthday of Cardinal Terrazas on March 7, 2016 that a chair will be  vacant in the conclave again. It will take some time before the appointment of new cardinals is possible, probably in February 2017. Until then, besides Cardinal Terrazas more cardinals will have lost their right to vote: Dias on 14 April, and on May 16, 2016,  Lehmann.  What a great day it will be for the Church, Levada on June 15, Okogie on June 16, Turkotte on June 26, Ortega on October 18, Lopez Rodriguez on October 31, Antonelli on 18 November and Sarr on 28 November. By the end of 2016, eleven seats will be thus vacant.  Unless the Pope  changes Pope Paul VI's. fixed number of voters.

The Good News: No Cardinals Forte, Paglia, Hans Küng, Gutierrez or Casaldàliga

The good news is the announcement of the new cardinals followed by a reaction of relief. Some Church leaders believe Pope Francis  has clearly made the worst appointments. Worrying names for the Italians, Forte and Paglia, the papal ghostwriter Fernandez, or even unthinkable names such as Hans Küng, Gustavo Gutiérrez or Casaldàliga went by.

However, it must be said that the worst members of the College of Cardinals come from Pope Francis. This is also true for the now newly appointed cardinals. The worst among the new, so I am told, is the New Zealander, Dew, the Portuguese Clemente and the Uruguayan Sturla. The Patriarch of Lisbon is said to be  the best representative of the Portuguese episcopate, which is mediocre overall. His predecessor, Patriarch Policarpo was just a solemn booby and one can only hope that the new Cardinal does not behave the same way. Sturla of Montevideo seems to always be just a Salesian without education, as there are several of them that seem to have come to their posts as if by a win at gambling. 

It also tells me that one of the two newly appointed Italian diocesan bishops is bad, while others are said to be excellent. As a very good and also surprising appointment,  I can cite those of retired Italian Curia Representative, De Magistris.

Poor is the appointment of the Cardinal nepotist from Vietnam, who will sit in the near future in the electoral college. But we do not speak here of the Pope being in the right  mood  to honor a friend. 

Outstanding on the other hand is   Mexican Suarez and good and surprising is  the Spaniard Blazquez, who is a man of solid grounding in the Doctrine of the Faith. I rejoice with the Archdiocese of Valladolid. The last date archbishop, whose last created cardinal was born in 1838, Justo José Maria Cos y Macho. His cardinal appointment was in 1911 by Pope Saint Pius X.

Peripherism and Insularism - In the United States Probably Only The Bishop of Honolulu Had a Chance 

The Peripherism and Insularism of the Pope is what's surprising. The elevation of the Archbishop of Addis Ababa is understandable, as are those of Rangoon and Bangkok. But the Cape Verde Islands, Tonga and Xai Xai can only be ascribed to mood.  But that's what it is. The appointees are so obscure  that I at once had to look at the Pontifical Yearbook.  Pope Francis likes islands. On this occasion three. Two of them must be sought with the magnifying glass on the map.  In his first  consistory there were two such islands: Haiti and the Antilles.

I would imagine that there were not a few archbishops who were not considered, who will now ask: Why not me? To be honest, I was wondering that, and find no other answer than the one I have already mentioned. I suppose it is not issued to the archbishops. Mini-dioceses, such as Tonga and the Cape Verde islands will receive disproportionate weight in the Catholic Church. The Diocese of Tonga is three times as large as Liechtenstein and numbers 15,000 Catholics.  Does the appointment belong to the diocese, or - as it should be in principle - the reigning bishop? Anyway, no one has  ever heard of him.

In addition to  non-Roman Europe, especially in  the United States there will be the great absentee in this consistory. There will be no cardinal Cupich (Chicago), but neither a Cardinal Chaput (Philadelphia) or Gomez (Los Angeles).  It would probably have most likely  been the Bishop of Honolulu, also unknown to me, who had a chance because he comes from an island.

Clearly, however, it seems the papacy  will deduct the dignity of Cardinal of Venice and Turin. The appointment of the bishops of Perugia, Ancona-Osimo and Agrigento speak loud and clear.

Seven out of 20 new cardinals come from Europe. This is still a third. And yet only the Romanesque Southern Italy, Spain and Portugal have been considered as diocesan bishops actually. France got a curial official and the German-speaking area a 80-year old out of service diplomat. 

Some Candidates Are to "Hopeless Cases"

It seems to me that the archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, with regard to the dignity of Cardinal, has become a "hopeless case." The same is probably true for Moraglia, Patriarch of Venice, Archbishop Nosiglia of Turin. Cape Verde Islands, Tonga and Xai Xai are now above  Brussels, Venice and Turin.

Latin America gets Cardinals from Mexico, Panama and Uruguay as well as a consolation for Colombia and Argentina. The privileged continent seems to be Asia with Vietnam, Thailand and Burma. By contrast, the Japanese Catholicism  is pending, which it is likely to remain. But the real climbers are Oceania with the awarding of two cardinals  to New Zealand and Tonga. Three purple Birettas go to  Africa: Ethiopia, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

The religious communities receive four surveys a fifth of the new Cardinal dignities. Two Salesians, a missionary and an Augustinian, with me the favor of the Salesians seems unjustified.

Another oddity is revealed in the  Cardinal appointments by Pope Francis. The age of the appointees is driven to new heights. In February 2014, he created the 99 year old Loris Capovilla Cardinal because he was the secretary of John XXIII. In February 2015, he  will charge a 95-year-old cardinal with the Archbishop Emeritus of Manizales in Colombia. After all, behind Capovilla and Canestri, he became immediately the third oldest member of the College of Cardinals.

It is also remarkable that there are several under the  newly called, appointed just  before their retirements, which would preclude their voting in fact, while they are still able to vote in a conclave for at least five years. Among them are the archbishop of Hanoi (76), Archbishop of Ancona-Osimo (75) and the Archbishop of Morelia (75).

In sum: Let us be glad it could have been worse.

Translation: Giuseppe Nardi
image: La Cigueña de la Torre

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches....

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Jesuit Justifies Abortion -- "Neither the Order Nor Rome Intervenes"

(Madrid), the Spanish Jesuit  and Bioethicist Juan  Masiá Clavel has again defended the killing of unborn children. For years, Father Masiá distinguishes between "abortion and abortion" (see separate report Jesuit Justifies Abortion - And What do the Bishops and Rome do  ) "There are situations where it is irresponsible not to perform abortion," the Jesuit wrote on New Year's Day on his blog, which is connected with the Spanish daily El Pais. Critics accuse the Jesuits of being abortion apologists. All knew it, but no one has taken action.

Although Father Masiá is talking about extreme cases,  the context of his Speeches on abortion serve at the same time  for the justification of prenatal infanticide. Thus the criticism of Info Catolica and the Spanish church historian and Catholic blogger Francisco de la Cigoña on the most recent blog entry by Father Masiá. The most recent opinion has taken place at a moment in which the abortion debate has been rekindled in Spain by a government bill. The Jesuit wrote that in the abortion debate two "extreme opposite positions" are in existence in Spain, one can look at neither as the "only valid" view. Thus, the Jesuit is relativizing the Catholic right to life position and places the culture of death with a culture of life as  equivalent and "neutral" on the same level.

"Juan Masiá is still a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Society of Jesus"

"The worst thing is that these statements are not new. They are repeated by the Jesuits for years without anyone contradicting. Quite a few  therefore think that this is the teaching of the Church," said de la Cigoña.

Info Catolica wrote: "As we write on the 2nd of January 2014, and Father Juan Masiá Clavel is still a Catholic priest and member of the Jesuit order."  In the Order and in Rome "it is  known exactly" what Father Masiá does and yet neither the Superior General Father Adolfo Nicolas, or a Roman Pontifical Council [Or even a pontifical commissioner] gets involved. It is time to clarify, so info Catolica whether Masia's position is the Catholic position. If not, then "clear countermeasures" would have to be taken.  "I support the criticism of Luis Fernando Perez Bustamante (Info Catolica) completely. I too have had it with Masiá. And Father Adolfo Nicolas and his inaction, " said de la Cigoña.

Father Juan Masiá is Professor of Ethics at the University of Sophia in Tokyo and a research associate of the Center for Peace of the Japanese section of the interfaith World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) in Tokyo, also known as Religions for Peace (RfP).

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
image: La cigüeña de la torre

Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com

Link to Katholisches...

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Priest Celebrates Vigil of Marian Feast as Transvestite

(Madrid) In the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela a diocesan youth meeting was held on the eve of the Solemnity of Mary Immaculate Conception a diocesan youth meeting. A priest appeared here as a transvestite.

It was widely reported on the website Pastoral Santiago in the Archdiocese. Spanish historian and Catholic blogger, Francisco de la Cigoña described it as "tasteless" that a priest would dress as a woman, as you would expect from homosexual transvestites. "It may even be that the priest had the best intentions and sought access to the youth. But why is it either necessary or appropriate to dress as a woman. And certainly not for the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception," said de la Cigoña. "Obviously, in the Diocese, some are of the opinion that this kind of Catholic youth care, is funny.... But what about the dignity of the priesthood?" Says the historian.

After de la Cigoña published his criticism and had asked the Archbishop to put the website into other hands, the images were still deleted from the Diocesan page.

You can see the slideshow here at Katholisches...

Choreographer of World Youth Day Flash Mob Posed for Gomorrist Publications

(Rio de Janeiro) Fly, who was engaged as a choreographer for the World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro,   has  posed naked for several gay (aberrosexual) magazines in the past. The flash mob back was organized by him in the dancing, instructions of the choreography of the bishops on the stage and the famous controversial pictures that went around the world with which ecclesiastical authority was held up to ridicule. Fly, since 1986, a professional dancer, is considered a renowned choreographer and has a reputation mainly in Brazil in his field. Nevertheless, the fact raises some questions.

"Every human being deserves respect, no question. But respect is one thing,  a very different of kettle of fish, " says Francisco de la Cigoña. The Church historian and Catholic blogger thinks so that cherishing and preference goes far beyond what is called respect. "I personally pay tribute to the former, of course, even homosexuals. Of the later, for those who come, for example, to Gay Prides, where some mock the Church attired in Bishop robes and Pope Robes, nothing," says de la Cigoña.

"Among hundreds of capable choreographers available, you had to choose this one?" asks the Spanish historian. "Must the Church now really bring all Riccas to power? Do they have a lobby or not?

Flash Mob dancing bishops, because it is so "cool". I find the message of concern. And the bishops are still there dumber than they only stood there," says la Cigoña, referring to the self-abasement of the flash mob as they followed the instructions of the two choreographers Fly and Glaucia dancing the Francisco Song, the World Youth Day song in honor of the new Pope.

In the ecstatic rapture of World Youth Day participants who reported for the Catholic broadcaster Radio Horeb at Copacabana, everything was "cool" and a "great feeling". It just sounded like this (found on the website of the radio station ):

So, where were we ... ahja, at the vigil yesterday. It was just mega! 2 million (or more) young people on Copacabana beach ... all waiting for the Pope ... to shorten the waiting time we have diligently practiced the flashmob for Papa Francesco. It was really a hit! The song was totally catchy, and the movements moved the time, the heart and blood. Most were already on their plots, where they are eating their pilgrimage packets, etc. - but when over the loudspeaker came the word "FLASHMOB" all jumped up and got ready for the joint "Daddy Dance"! Guys, this was sooooooooooo awesome! And was the most brilliant attainment of the evening as well - have invited bishops to join the mob - waiting on stage. That was a picture of gods, as the bishops were dancing up there (on our Facebook page, there's a video of it!).

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: Infovaticana
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
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Ricca case, case Sucunza and "Bergoglio's style of government" - "Let us hope that Francis Meets No More Riccas"

The beach of Montevideo:
"Hopefully we will not encounter any Riccas" 

(Rome / Buenos Aires) In Argentina, the traditional page Pagina Catolica commented on the homo-revelations of Msgr. Salvatore Mario Battista Ricca, who is the personal representative to the Vatican bank IOR appointed by Pope Francis, and Director of the guest house Santa Marta. The Vatican expert Sandro Magister has miscalculated Pope Francis. Had Magister followed the case of Bergoglio, say from the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, he would have known that the current Pope would not yield even under pressure. Vicar General Joaquín Sucunza was involved in a trial for adultery in 2010 that ended in divorce, as had been requested by the Court of the betrayed husband.

Since the court records protect privacy rights and are under lock and key, details are not known, but there is little doubt in Buenos Aires that the auxiliary bishop and vicar general was the reason for the divorce. Nevertheless, Cardinal Bergoglio held fast to his subordinate. Monsignor Sucunza was conducted after Cardinal Bergolios' election to the papacy to the Administrator of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires,\ until the appointment of the new Archbishop Poli and is still holding his previous offices.

Magister wrote on the 5th of July when he brought attention to the case of Ricca ​​on his blog, two weeks in advance without detailed mention that Pope Francis was informed by the Nuncio Bolonek  about Riccas's scandalous behavior in Uruguay. Pope Francis had been confirmed by various sources of the information. The Pope was deeply disappointed, but also determined to rectify the situation that has arisen, said Magister. However, nothing was then done. On the 19th of July Magister finally published in Espresso with the unveiling of numerous unsavory details.

Also presented in this article,  Magister represents Pope Francis as deceived, who had been linked, because the dark past had been withheld from Ricca's personnel file at the Vatican and had been cleared of all allegations of his immoral infidelities.

The fact is that Pope Francis, despite knowing the facts, let two weeks pass by, which Magister left him to preemptively resolve the matter. Leo Matzuzzi, the new Vaticanist of Il Foglio tweeted the Ricca case: "Father Lombardi: Pope Francis had the opportunity to consider whether the allegations against Msgr Ricca were true or not." And again: "Father Lombardi: Pope Francis is presented with accusations raised about Monsignor Ricca raised, but decided to leave him in place. "

"Bergoglio's Own Style of Government" Jeopardizes Credibility

What that means, but quite independently of "Bergoglios own style of government" as Pagina Catolica wrote, referring to Buenos Aires: Since the allegations are true, the Pope could credibly convince them that Battista Ricca has radically changed his lifestyle? Or is Pope Francis indifferent to concerns that a person of his confidence, which he entrusted with special powers in such a highly charged area as the Vatican bank IOR, throwing covetous glances at the numerous pages, starting with the U.S.? And what can be interpreted of the reaction to the case of Sucunza Ricca? Is the zero tolerance for pedophiles to "marriage" for the gay lobby in the Church, as one might ask, in continuation of such unspoken thought process of the historian Roberto de Mattei? Will they in the Church for decades anyway, serious damaging disobedient laissez faire-clergy and laity do what they want even more so?

If it is indifference, then it does a blow to much of a playful Pope Francis' credibility. What would remain of the credibility of wanting to clean up where it needs cleaning? What cleaning would the Pope perform in the Church, when he makes a sodomite his confidant and after becoming aware of the scandal, clings to him? He can do it, then Father Lombardi, however, should make a statement.

De la Cigoña: The only thing missing is that Ricca march "half naked along at a Gay Pride"

Other considerations on the subject are given by the Spanish Catholic Church Historian and Blogger Francisco de la Cigoña. He comes to the conclusion that Pope Francis deals so astonishingly closely with financial issues and the Vatican Bank, two new Commission and its associates for which he has used Ricca because of the financial and economic sector is ultimately the least important area for the Church. Here the Pope could therefore, as de la Cigoña says, especially in a media-friendly way, demonstrate his resolve to reform and drill on the patient without anesthesia. Whatever the Pope decides in this area, will not ultimately be of particular importance for the Church, but find extensive media coverage. The same applies for the appointment of the eight member Cardinal Council. Much media coverage, much applause, but hurry, it seems the Pope does has the body that will only meet half a year after his appointment for the first time.

So far, Pope Francis has taken only two specific, internal personnel decisions to the Roman Curia and both times scheinem the decisions have been taken directly from the Pope, possibly alone. "Pope Francis seems so fascinated by the now famous guest house Santa Marta that he continued to live not only there, but also of the way in which it is held, that he decided Msgr Ricca was his man in the Vatican Bank. Done thinking. Either the Pope has no one consulted or when he consulted someone that knew nothing or would not by a cold shower to cool the enthusiasm of the Pope. And so it was that he appointed a homo-assets, the only thing missing in his biography that he was half-naked in a Gay Pride marched along, "said de la Cigoña.

The veracity of Magister revelations he does not doubt: "Sandro Magister is finally no ignoramus in ecclesiastical affairs." But what will do now Pope Francis, the Spanish church historian asks.

For de la Cigoña, the "real reforms" will start with the appointment of a new Cardinal Secretary of State. "Let us ask God to enlighten him there and that we must not encounter any more Riccas. Or rather, that Francis not meet them, says de la Cigoña. Since the second personnel decision of the Pope, the appointment of the Spanish Opus Dei priest Don Lucio Ángel Vallejo Balda, the current secretary of the Apostolic Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See's Secretary of the newly appointed Commission for the Financial and Economic Affairs, which is "very good", is resulting in the current stalemate on the personnel decisions of the Pope with the Roman Curia: "Except for the pope canceled his own goal" with the appointment of Ricca.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
 Image: Wikicommons
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
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Francisco de la Cigoña on the Worth of the Papal Office

“Must the Pope bless every pizza at a restaurant in Trastevere before running cameras?”

(Madrid/Rome) The Spanish Church Historian Francisco Fernández de la Cigoña, who is the Spanish speaking world famous Catholic, non-Traditionalist blogger, is among the most bitter critics of Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio as Archbhishop of Buenos Aires. That of all things the Argentine Primate had, of all the Cardinals, been considered as the possible successor of Benedict XVI. the fisher of men, a few hours before the election of Pope Francis, while he criticized him in connection with the most recent occupation at the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, must have been quite a shock.

De la Cigoña has commented on the Habemus Papam therefore with as much professional discipline, as Catholic devotion: “Cardinal Bergoglio is dead, long live Pope Francis!”

On multiple occasions he has stressed since that there is little sense in criticizing someone during the first 100 days of their office. Much more, he published several times the statements of the new Pope, which made him “feel very good”. After 20 days of the new Pontificate it seemed that at least at one point the self-imposed threads of patience are torn. On Eastern Monday he published a long commentary under the title The Pope is Neither a Pastor Nor a Bishop. Then he addressed the most striking gestures of the Pontificate in the first weeks, which to give the to the faithful instead of blessing, a media staged, but less religious one with the thumbs up high after which the motto appeared “Everything is super, everything great”. Had anyone had noticed this, that this gesture is not universally hailed as positive throughout the world, like in Turkey, where it is understood as an invitation to homosexual depravity?

We have documented the following commentary by Francisco Fernández de la Cigoña in English from another German translation (since no one has a Spanish one yet):

 The Pope is Neither a Pastor Nor a Bishop


by Fernández de la Cigoña

As always I am opposed to giving you my personal opinions, which should not be shared. It is not the voice of the Church, if I also try to speak of this. Sometimes I am successful, other times not. Not from a lack of will, but from a lack of knowledge.

What is expected of Pope Francis, so to us, at least until now, have been sold this picture of the Pope as pastor or of the Pope as Bishop: he is so simple and so humble, that he doesn’t want to be Pope. And he conceals his Papalness, where only he can. With his shoes as with his ring, with his pectoral cross and with his clothes, with his living quarters and with his bearing… he lives with everyone, he talks with everyone and it seems, as if he wouldn’t know anything else. He has not once been a Primus inter pares. Not to the Cardinals, and not once to the Bishops, to the priests, the gardener…

At the end of his daily Mass he greets the concelebrants and the faithful, who have participated, at the chapel door as a pastor. He calls his friends on the telephone, in order to wish them Happy Easter, he hurries then to pay for his lodging and some days we will see him on television, as he is polishing his already famous black shoes. Some already play the game “Where is the ring?” with the question, if he will wear the ring of the Pope today, of a Bishop or even none.

Nothing of this must be the object of criticism, even when one must not be pleased by them, which not many do. And although he also is still does the opposite of those things, which happened in past pontificates: “He is also good and not Bendict or John Paul”. Even if the wish of Pope Francis may be strange.

We have been moved by a minimalistic Pope in his appearance as Pope. We were not accustomed to it. We normal Catholics, excepting those, who would only rely on our judgements, but dismiss the Church, have such a special respect for the representative of Christ, that all forms of earned respect seem too little. And in the course of the centuries many forms have taken root. Some were already untimely by the turn of the century, like the Sedia Gestatoria and the Tiara. It was time, that they were taken away to become museum pieces. Without that something is passed. I think however, that it is good, that the representative of Christ, should be addressed with respectful love. And that it would not be good for him to be stripped in this respect or that he should strip himself of these things.

In Spain we had a pitiful Bishop “shoe I will call Ramon”, who, though he is still living, will be forgotten by everyone. I will not say that this is the case, but there is already a certain similarity which horrifies me. It is not attractive for all, nor is it however repellent for many. To seek out those nearby is surely good, but without overfamiliarity and tastelessness.

God uses the unexpected ways, so that His Grace can enter the hearts of men. And some of them can without a doubt be the frugality and humility of a Pope. It can be. Surely it is, however, not. Does one receive these assurances when the Pope on one day blesses the pizza in a restaurant on Trastevere? And kisses the lady cook, because she has prepared it so well? And all of this before running cameras? I have the impression, it can be, that I am wrong, that everyone doesn’t like this, completely on the contrary.

The Pope has possession of an office, which ranges far above that of a priest or a bishop. Every one will feel according to his personal inclinations. Yet he must partly order the personal inclinations according to his immense responsibility, which has loaded this office on his person. And because the eyes of the whole World are upon him.

This is my opinion. Right or wrong. And this is how I sum it up as such.

Übersetzung: Giuseppe Nardi 
Bild: UCCR
Translation: Tancred 
Link to Katholisches…
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