Pope Francis has been unstinting in his criticisms of some Catholics, particularly traditional-minded ones, whom he asserts have failed to meet the mark.
The four Cardinals join the singular ranks of a number of faithful bishops and cardinals who have faced excommunication, demotion, and censure from popes because of their faithfulness to the truths of the faith.
Speaking to the College of Cardinals during the St. Peter's Basilica consistory adding Cupich and another 16 to their number, Pope Francis warned against the “the virus of polarization and animosity.”