Fiducia supplicans, an in-depth analysis by Stefano Fontana for the Cardinal Van Thuân Observatory – VP News

2024-01-04 23:07:32

Fiducia supplicans, an in-depth analysis by Stefano Fontana for the Cardinal Van Thuân Observatory

Cardinal John Henry Newman, known for his contribution to Catholic thought, supported the importance of critical debate in the search for truth. He stated: “To arrive at the complete truth, it is necessary to listen to what the opposing sides have to say and to consider every point of view” (Parochial and Plain Sermons, 1834-1843). This view reinforces the idea that a debate is meaningful only when it includes a variety of opinions, including critical ones.
In this sense I propose this paper from the van Thuan Observatory, given that the position taken by the Vatican is that of relativizing the positions taken in this regard.

In summary, the article entitled “Blessing gay couples: all the deceptions of Fiducia supplicans” written by Stefano Fontana for the Cardinal Van Thuân Observatory, offers a critical evaluation of the “Fiducia supplicans” Declaration. This document, published on December 18, 2023 and signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández and Pope Francis, has attracted controversy for its approach to blessing same-sex and irregular couples.

The central thesis of the Declaration maintains that Catholic doctrine on marriage and sexuality remains unchanged, but introduces new pastoral indications that include blessings in non-liturgical contexts, considered “private” or “spontaneous”. Fontana criticizes this position, arguing that every blessing imparted by a priest is intrinsically liturgical and involves the Church, making the distinction between liturgical and non-liturgical blessings inconsistent.

The article also questions the use of the term “couple” for relationships that do not reflect traditional views of marriage and family, arguing that this implicitly legitimizes irregular relationships. Fontana states that the blessing of such couples, without repentance and the desire to change their lives, goes against Catholic doctrine.

Furthermore, the article criticizes the alleged pastoral neutrality of the Declaration, arguing that every pastoral practice must be consistent with doctrine and that the “Fiducia supplicans” seems to propose a new doctrine under the pretext of a pastoral approach. Fontana also highlights how the document seems to ignore the context in which it is applied, especially in relation to the blessings of same-sex couples already in place in some regions.

Finally, the article expresses concern about the impact of the Declaration on the Social Doctrine of the Church and its unity, fearing that it could lead to divisions and confusion among the faithful. Fontana concludes that “Fiducia supplicans” represents a significant and potentially divisive change in Church practice and doctrine.

However, the content of the Observatory’s paper is much clearer and richer, so I highly recommend reading it to anyone who wants to delve deeper into the issue, which is of particular importance because it concerns the family, the conception that each of us has on fundamental questions, faith .