Schism Archives

New edition of Jesuit journal proves Vatican’s ‘all in’ on Chinese courtship
- May 17, 2020
No matter people may think, the Vatican is moving full-steam ahead in its courtship of Beijing, with the ultimate prize remaining full diplomatic relations, a secure legal standing for the church, and partnerships on the global stage. That’s hardly a policy that began with Pope Francis, but it’s been shared fully by every pontiff since the Communist takeover in 1949.

By John L. Allen Jr.
On American critics, Pope says he doesn’t want a schism but he’s not afraid of it
- Sep 10, 2019
“There always is the schismatic option in the Church,” Francis said. “It’s a choice that the Lord leaves to human freedom. I am not afraid of schism … I pray for them not to happen, as the spiritual health of many people is at stake.”

By Inés San Martín
Archbishop: ‘Catholic’ groups on ‘pro-choice’ ad not affiliated with church
- Jan 25, 2019
In response to a paid advertisement from self-identified “pro-choice” Catholic organizations that was published in the Albuquerque Journal, Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester said the signatories on the ad “are not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church in New Mexico.”

By Catholic News Service

Pope, Bolivian bishops discuss rise of ‘parallel’ churches

Sep 19, 2017

Bolivian bishops in Rome for their ad limina visit spoke to Pope Francis about the rise of problematic groups in the country, also known as “parallel churches,” that are made of priests who have been suspended from their ministry and “seminarians who have claimed autonomy and distance from the church.”

By Junno Arocho Esteves

Francis says the people have spoken: ‘Two popes are just fine’

Aug 27, 2016

Sometimes leaders learn more from crowds than from polls about how passionately people are feeling something, and in his preface to a new biography of Benedict XVI, Francis suggests crowds have taught him that ordinary Catholics are just fine with the two-pope arrangement.

By John L. Allen Jr.