Popes rationalised culpability

Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict XVI were incompetent theologians even though they had doctoral degrees in theology.

Both popes stated that individuals who attempted to obtain information during the conclave to elect their successor were excommunicated. Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict did not want the Catholic population to know the cardinals’ deliberations during the conclave or thereafter. So these academic popes employed the threat of excommunication.

Popes John Paul and Benedict ignored the spiritual fact that excommunications can only be used with those individuals who reject infallible theological doctrines pertaining to Christian faith and morals. Nothing else! Popes and bishops have used excommunication to preserve their power. See the trial of Joan of Arc.

Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict were doing the same as they were attempting to manipulate the election of their successor through secrecy and covert tactics.

St Peter was selected, not elected, by the apostles. A proper use of excommunication would be with those Catholic politicians and voters who support legalised abortion. Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict did not excommunicate the Catholic advocates of legal abortion. These popes were j more morally culpable than the bishops who murdered Joan of Arc.

Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict rationalised their culpability. Pope Francis is rationalising too.

Joseph E Vallely

Washington Green

Connecticut

USA