Part 7 - Intro: The Papal Crisis After Vatican II

Introduction

After examining Vatican II and the reforms that followed it, the next question is unavoidable:

how should Catholics understand the authority of the men who governed the post-conciliar Church and promoted these changes?

This Part applies the theological principles already established concerning the papacy, heresy, Church membership, indefectibility and ecclesiastical office.

We will consider the teachings and public acts of the principal post-Vatican II papal claimants, including Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis and Leo XIV. Particular attention will be given to those actions most relevant to the crisis: ecumenism, interreligious worship, religious pluralism, the New Mass, sacramental reform, Vatican II itself and other public teachings or practices that raise questions about continuity with the Catholic Faith.

The central issue is not whether these men were personally sinful, imprudent or politically controversial. The deeper question is whether a man who publicly professes or promulgates doctrines incompatible with the Catholic Faith can possess the authority of the Roman Pontiff.

This Part therefore moves from general principles to concrete application. We begin by asking: How should Catholics evaluate the post-Vatican II papal claimants?