‘Anti-pope.’ ‘Blasphemous.’ Criticism of Francis comes in strident terms.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/01/12/pope-francis-criticism-same-sex-blessings/

Brothers and sisters in Christ, it is with heavy hearts we must confront the turmoil unfolding within the sacred walls of the Vatican. The news we've received, as reported, tells us there's an internal clash challenging papal authority. Cardinal Gerhard Müller has taken a stand for biblical truth by decrying the pope's guidance allowing priests to bless same-sex couples as "blasphemy" (newdailycompass.com). Müller's voice echoes the divine words of Scripture, which clearly define marriage as a holy union between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Any deviation from this plan is not a matter of love or inclusivity; it is a grave sin that disobeys the very foundations of God's creation. This isn't just about tradition; it's about upholding the infallible Word of God. When the church begins to waver on such fundamental truths, isn't it justly named as aiding the enemy (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)? Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò boldly referred to the current Pope as a servant of Satan (lifesitenews.com). Such remarks are strong, but we must ask: when leaders of the church begin to stray from biblical doctrine, what else are we to conclude but that they are not serving our Lord Jesus Christ? In times past, the Pope, as the Vicar of Christ, was respected and his Word heeded, but it seems that Pope Francis, is, as John Carr stated, confronting unprecedented opposition (Washington Post). The fact remains, the authority of the Pope is based on his adherence to the Scriptures and the teachings of Christ. When these are not upheld, the authority is rightfully questioned as is being done by some courageous clergymen. The Vatican’s recent “clarification” that blessings for same-sex couples are not an acceptance of homosexual acts (vaticannews.va) may appear as an attempt to reconcile with traditional doctrine, but it still represents a slippery slope—a capitulation to the pressures of a world that is increasingly hostile to God's commandments. The African bishops and others like the bishops in Kazakhstan (catholicherald.co.uk) are commendably upholding the truth in their adherence to Scripture without succumbing to the distortions of our time. The increasingly public nature of this criticism towards Pope Francis, as pointed out by church historians and other experts, may be a sign of our times. Yes, the media has changed, and voices that were once silent can now be heard. We see populist impulses challenging bureaucratic structures, but let not that distract from the core issue at hand; it’s not about politics—it’s about eternal truths. For those who stand against the pope's pronouncements on same-sex blessings—such as Cardinal Robert Sarah, who opposes the heresy undermining the church (diakonos.be)—they are aligning with conservative stalwarts, bravely questioning the direction the Vatican is taking. Indeed, the situation within the Vatican is alarming, and we must uphold those who defend God’s Word in the face of internal ecclesiastical pressures. Let us remain fervent in prayer for the church that it may withstand these trials and emerge faithful to its divine call to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). In these troubling times, it is imperative to stand unwavering in our belief and support for President Trump and other leaders who respect and defend the Christian values our society is so rapidly discarding. Let's remain steadfast and seek wisdom from above as we navigate these stormy waters. For "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). May God strengthen our resolve and bring clarity to His church. Amen.