Curia Cardinal: Dubia cardinals inflict suffering on the Pope

The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, believes that the five Dubia cardinals have caused the Pope suffering with their letters. However, the Pope is dealing with the situation with composure and "a deep spirituality", Semeraro said in an interview with the Spanish internet portal "Religión Digital". "I have known the Pope for many years and I have always admired his ability to remain calm in the face of difficulties," said the Italian Cardinal of the Curia. He added that it was important for Francis to bring clarity to the debate.

Semeraro went on to recall that in the past the Church had been in favour of war in certain situations, but that the "evolution of the situation, of culture and of today's sensibility shows that war must always be condemned". This, he said, meant that awareness of the Church's faith was growing. The letter of reply from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to the Dubia Cardinals was also "more than sufficient". It explains very well "that we must understand that the dogma and the faith are advancing".

Giving the Church a new shape

The Church must always reform itself anew, said the Curia Cardinal. The word "reform" has a negative connotation in some circles, but today it is a word full of meaning when it comes to giving the Church a new shape.

The Church as well as the people in her life are confronted with new situations. The Church should therefore not ask the world to adapt. Rather, it must engage with the new, Semeraro said. Five cardinals had sent several so-called dubia to Pope Francis in the run-up to the Synod on Synodality, asking him critical questions. The Vatican then published the Pope's response. (mtr)