Catholic commentator Matt Gapsers argued Pope Leo XIV’s Pachamama ritual images and recent papal pronouncements reveal a troubling yet ‘clear’ continuity with his predecessor.
Stine cited two moral theologians who say active participation in a Pachamama rite is ‘intrinsically and gravely evil,’ given that it ‘expresses a belief in the false creed symbolized.’
It would be refreshing if Pope Leo simply admitted that he had made a mistake. But I rather suspect that the Vatican will instead try to explain it away.
The question for cardinals and bishops is, do their condemnations of Pachamama in 2019 now apply to Pope Leo? What Francis scandalously permitted in front of him, Leo actually engaged in.
John-Henry Westen reflects on the passing of Pope Francis and the profound spiritual challenges that marked his pontificate. While urging prayers for the repose of his soul, Westen examines seven major controversies that shaped this era of the Church — from the Pachamama incident to restrictions on the Latin Mass. Drawing from Scripture, Church teaching, and the wisdom of the early Fathers, he invites Catholics to consider whether this period was a trial permitted by God — a moment of purification or preparation. Westen concludes with a heartfelt prayer for the Church’s future and for a successor who will lead […]