Full interview: Cardinal attacks Dubia cardinals:refuses to confirm that they are of good will

The Prefect of the Cause of Saints reproaches his 'companions' for not understanding that 'Ecclesia Semper reformanda'

Cardinal Semeraro on the Dubia cardinals: “The Pope is hurt, but serene”

“The responses to the 'dubia' have been more than enough. Because they explain very well that we must understand that dogma also has to advance, that faith also has to progress.”

"Why, then, are these five of our companions not bothered that the Church does not approve the death penalty or just war? The attitude of these cardinals is committed to an idea of dogma as if it were something material, which cannot be tap"

“At this time, the word reform (giving a new shape) means giving the Church a face that is increasingly similar to the one Christ wanted. The Church always needs to reform, as the famous aphorism says: 'Ecclesia semper reformanda'. And this should not shock anyone.”

“Saints are not exceptional figures. They are not the nobles or the blue blooded people of holiness. "Holiness is a call for everyone."

“The Pope is hurt, but serene.” The prefect of the Cause of Saints, Marcello Semeraro, recognizes that the five cardinals of the 'dubia' are making the Pope suffer, who approaches the situation, however, from "serenity in the face of difficulties" and from "a profound spirituality that “It helps you understand that, even in debate, things are clarified.” However, the cardinal took advantage of his stay in Madrid to reproach his "companions" for not understanding that 'Ecclesia Semper reformanda' and that "dogma also has to advance, that faith also has to progress."

Will the 'Dubia' cardinals ever get tired of harassing the Pope?

(Cathcon:  What a question!!!!!!!)

Dubia is a Latin word that does not mean exactly what it is understood in common language. Dubium, in Latin, means request for depth or clarification. In this sense, there have been five cardinals who raised his perplexities with the Pope. In my opinion, the answers that were given and published in the media and in Vatican News have been more than sufficient. Because it explains very well that we must understand that dogma also has to advance, that Faith also has to progress.

But do you believe that those cardinals make that request with good will?

I hope so, but I can't see inside.

Why, then, are they always the same?

This brings us back to the previous question, namely whether they do it with good will or not. Let's say that there are many other cardinals and eminent figures in the Church who, however, do not raise these perplexities. Therefore, I would ask you just one question: In the past, not only the States but also the Church approved the death penalty.

And slavery, for example

Indeed. And in the past, the Church, like the States, approved of war. And there was talk of the theory of just war. The evolution of the situation, culture and current sensitivity say that war must always be condemned. This means, then, that the awareness of the Church's faith grows, just as the maturity of people grows. Furthermore, it is up to the pastors of the Church to discern. Why, then, are these five of our companions not bothered that the Church does not approve of the death penalty or just war? The attitude of these cardinals is committed to an idea of dogma as if it were something material, which cannot be touched.

Does the doctrine evolve?

The faith of the Church is like a life that grows. Saint Jerome, who is a doctor of the Church, says that the understanding of Holy Scripture grows with the faith of the one who is questioning it. This is still true.

So, monsignor, is the Synod thinking about that key to reforming the Church?

The word reform is a word that has a negative meaning, if it comes from a certain use in the Protestant controversy, with Luther. Therefore, the word reform is loaded with meaning. At this time, the word reform (giving a new shape) means giving the Church a face that is increasingly similar to the one Christ wanted. The Church always needs to reform, as the famous aphorism says: 'Ecclesia semper reformanda'. And this should not shock anyone. Just as in life there is renewal and each one of us experiences new situations, new friendships and new relationships, so the Church also lives new situations and does not ask the world to adapt to it, but rather it is the one who sets itself to your service, always available to meet the needs of others.

Is the Pope hurt by the 'attacks' of some of his cardinals?

I have known the Pope for many years, when he was not Pope, and I have always admired his ability to remain calm in the face of difficulties. Furthermore, the Pope relies on a deep spirituality that helps him understand that, even in debate, things are clarified.

Cathcon: There are far too many reports of the less than serene behaviour of the Pope in his dealings with staff when difficulties arise to take this statement in any way seriously.

But is he hurt by these attacks?

Hurt yes, but serene.

Why are there more classical saints than saints next door?

Saints next door is an image with which Francis refers to what another Pope, John Paul II, called the full measure of Christian life. This image, used by the Pope, proclaims something central to the teaching of Vatican II. Indeed, chapter 5 of the Constitution on the Church speaks of the universal vocation (call) (of all) to holiness.

Can we all be saints?

Indeed, saints are not exceptional figures. They are not the nobles or the blue blooded people of holiness. Holiness is a calling for everyone. In fact, Saint Francis de Sales, in the introduction to his work 'The Devout Life', assures that holiness is a mystery that is realized even in barracks, in merchants' shops or in any home. That is to say, the call to holiness is not only for nuns, friars and priests or for these great figures. No. For this reason, one of the most beautiful tasks of the dicastery today is to discover these humble figures who, in the end, demonstrate their heroism.

For example, the Pope, two or three weeks ago, in a Wednesday catechesis spoke about José Gregorio Hernández, a doctor from Venezuela, who dedicated his entire life to his profession, but helping the poor. In fact, he died in a road accident when he was going to help the poor. For the Church, he is a venerable and the cause for beatification is already being examined.

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