Summary‍ ‍

This in-depth interview with Bishop Donald Sanborn, superior general of the Roman Catholic Institute, covers a broad range of theological, ecclesiastical, and practical issues facing the Catholic Church today, particularly focusing on the crisis following Vatican II and the ongoing debate surrounding sedevacantism—the belief that the post-Vatican II popes are not true popes. Bishop Sanborn discusses the nature and role of the laity, the papacy, traditional Catholic teaching on obedience and resistance, the theological legitimacy of the current popes, and the state of tradition and the sacraments within the Church. He emphasizes the primacy of the Catholic faith and doctrine over individuals occupying ecclesiastical offices and insists on the necessity of maintaining continuity with past Church teaching to preserve the Church's indefectibility. The conversation also delves into the practical realities of traditional Catholic communities, missionary work, and the prospects for a future true pope. Bishop Sanborn critiques the Vatican II reforms and the modern liturgical changes as breaks from tradition, suggesting a "great reset" is needed, including the suppression of modernist innovations and a return to traditional liturgy and doctrine. Finally, he addresses the growth and challenges of the sedevacantist movement and offers pastoral advice for welcoming newcomers while maintaining doctrinal rigor.

Highlights

• Bishop Sanborn explains the theological basis and implications of sedevacantism, emphasizing that the faith itself must remain inviolate even if the occupant of the papal office does not.

• The interview clarifies the traditional Catholic teaching on obedience to the pope, including when and how resistance is permissible, highlighting distinctions between personal heresy and formal teaching errors.

• The bishop critiques the post-Vatican II Church reforms, particularly the Novus Ordo Mass, as doctrinally flawed and incompatible with traditional Catholic faith.

• He discusses the crisis of jurisdiction and authority in the Church, explaining the difference between sacramental jurisdiction and ordinary jurisdiction, and how the latter is currently lacking in faithful bishops.

• Bishop Sanborn addresses misconceptions about the infallibility and indefectibility of the Church, clarifying that popes are protected from teaching error in faith and morals but are not infallible in all aspects.

• The conversation touches on the practical work of the Roman Catholic Institute in preserving tradition, catechizing new faithful, and ministering globally despite limited resources.

• The bishop offers a vision of how a true pope might be elected in the future by a faithful remnant of cardinals, preserving apostolic succession and orthodox doctrine.

Key Insights

• The Supremacy of Faith Over Ecclesiastical Office: Bishop Sanborn insists that the Catholic faith and doctrine are supreme even over the pope. The pope is subject to the faith, not above it, and must adhere strictly to it. This theological principle underpins sedevacantism, which holds that if a pope publicly defects from the faith, he ceases to be pope because the Church cannot teach error. This insight challenges mainstream Catholic assumptions and underscores the critical importance of doctrinal continuity for the Church’s identity and salvation.

• Obedience and Resistance to the Pope: Traditional Catholic teaching demands obedience to the pope in faith, morals, and discipline, but this obedience is not blind or unconditional. Resistance is legitimate if a pope commands something contrary to faith or morals, but such resistance does not extend to judging or deposing him; only a legitimate authority like the College of Cardinals can do so. This nuanced position balances respect for papal authority with doctrinal integrity and helps clarify the traditionalist stance on the crisis.

• Limits of Papal Infallibility: The bishop clarifies that papal infallibility applies strictly to definitive teachings on faith and morals, protected by the Holy Ghost, but popes can err in prudential decisions or historical facts. This distinction counters misunderstandings that portray the pope as an oracle or infallible in all statements, emphasizing a more precise theological understanding of magisterial authority.

• Crisis of Jurisdiction and Authority: Bishop Sanborn explains that while valid holy orders and apostolic succession remain intact, the true ordinary jurisdiction (the authority to govern) is effectively absent because modernist popes and bishops do not preserve the faith. Traditional communities operate under supplied jurisdiction, an emergency provision allowing them to administer sacraments without official authority to govern. This insight exposes the depth of the institutional crisis and the practical challenges faced by faithful Catholics.

• The Novus Ordo Mass and Vatican II as Doctrinal Breaks: According to Bishop Sanborn, the Novus Ordo Mass and Vatican II reforms represent a rupture from traditional Catholic liturgy and doctrine, effectively promulgating a false religion within the Church’s structures. He argues that simply tolerating these changes for the sake of unity or access to the Latin Mass is inadequate and dangerous. This strong critique highlights the theological and liturgical battleground at the heart of the crisis.

• The Church as Visible but Contaminated: Bishop Sanborn uses the metaphor of a building infested with vermin to describe the current Church hierarchy. The institutional structure (the “skeleton”) remains, but it is compromised by heresy and apostasy at the leadership level. However, the true faith and sacraments are preserved in pockets of resistance. This ecclesiological insight helps explain sedevacantists’ position that the Church is present but suffering a grave internal crisis.

• Hope and Strategy for the Future: Despite acknowledging the crisis and limited numbers, Bishop Sanborn emphasizes hope grounded in perseverance, faith, and divine providence rather than demographic optimism. He envisions a future where faithful cardinals might break from the modernist hierarchy to elect a true pope, restoring doctrinal clarity and authority. The pastoral approach to newcomers stresses catechesis, charity, and doctrinal integrity, recognizing the necessity of building up the faithful in an era of confusion.

Conclusion‍ ‍

Bishop Donald Sanborn’s interview offers a comprehensive and theologically rich perspective on the crisis in the Catholic Church, focusing on the papacy, sedevacantism, and the preservation of tradition. His analysis is rooted in traditional Catholic doctrine and magisterial teaching, emphasizing the primacy of faith over ecclesiastical authority and the necessity of doctrinal continuity. He provides clarity on complex issues such as papal infallibility, obedience, resistance, and jurisdiction, while also addressing practical realities faced by traditional communities. The interview is an invaluable resource for understanding the theological foundations and pastoral implications of the ongoing crisis and the hopeful path forward for those committed to preserving the Catholic faith.