8.27. Can a future pope fix this? What would a true restoration look like?
Yes. A future valid pope can—and will—restore the Church. This restoration will likely involve:
A rejection of Vatican II and all its novelties
Reaffirmation of traditional doctrine and the Tridentine Mass
Revalidating priests and bishops ordained in the new rite
Rebuilding Catholic seminaries, religious orders, and catechesis
Condemning the errors that caused the apostasy
It may take divine intervention, a miracle, or a small remnant of faithful bishops acting under extraordinary circumstances. But it will happen—because Christ promised the Church would not perish.
“Behold, I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.”
Until then, our duty is to remain faithful, hold fast to tradition, and reject compromise.