2.8. Why is this important for understanding Vatican II and the post-conciliar “popes”?

2 - Doctrine Heresy and the Preservation of the Faith
Written By Steve John

Because public formal heresy severs a man from the Church, the sedevacantist (refer 4.1) position holds that the Vatican II “popes” (John XXIII through Francis) have taught heresies publicly and obstinately—and therefore cannot be true popes.

Examples of heresies include:

  • Saying that God wills the existence of multiple religions (Francis),

  • Denying the necessity of conversion to the Catholic Church (John Paul II, Benedict XVI),

  • Promoting ecumenical worship with false religions (Assisi prayer meetings),

  • Altering the theology and structure of the sacraments and Mass in ways condemned by prior popes.

Since a heretic is not a Catholic, and only a Catholic can be pope, these men could not have held the papal office.

Further reading:

Steve John
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2.7. What happens to a person who becomes a formal heretic? Are they still part of the Church?
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2.9. How can the Vatican II “popes” be formal heretics? I thought no one can judge a pope?