Q: Perhaps you could offer some insight on the issue of the maximum number of electors allowed in a Papal Conclave. It seems clear from the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominci Gregis that the maximum number of electors is 120.
Yet, the current number of “eligible” Cardinals is above that number. What does it mean for the validity of a Papal Election if more than 120 electors actually cast votes? —Mark Continue reading
Q: In light of the Holy Father’s present illness, I found an article online which was written a few years ago. It says that Pope Francis told an interviewer in 2013 that he had already written a resignation letter and given it to a Cardinal. The Pope said it was meant to be used “in case of impediment for medical reasons or whatever else I don’t know, here is my resignation.”
I then looked up what you had written about a pope being removed because he was incapacitated. You indicated that this cannot be done legally, because nobody has authority to remove the Pope. So this seems to directly contradict what Pope Francis allegedly intended.
Can you tell me your analysis of this? If Pope Francis wrote a letter of resignation in 2013, could it be used if he was incapacitated? And if he wrote a resignation without the intent of resigning in 2013, could it mean that he actually did resign in 2013? (I doubt this but just wanted your view of this.) –Maria Continue reading
Q1: When the bishop in a diocese allows the faithful to receive Communion in the hand or on the tongue, can a priest, who objects on the grounds of conscience, refuse to give the faithful holy Communion in the hand? Could a religious community or shrine just establish a custom of only receiving on the tongue? –Fr. M.
Q2: Some parishes have been training their altar servers to do things I consider strange. They do so on the grounds that “that’s how we do things here.” For example, they train altar servers to fill the lavabo with water before Mass and bring the bowl to the priest rather than pouring the water over the priest’s hands into an empty bowl. This requires altar servers to carry around a sloshing bowl from the credence table to the priest at the altar….
My question: if parishes have been doing things like this for over 30 years, does that mean that they are now considered customs, and no pastor can change them? Are we stuck with them for eternity? –Stan Continue reading
Q1: I am a theology teacher at a Catholic diocesan high school. I have non-Catholic students that are wanting to join the Church. My initial thought is that these students need to join a local parish and ask the pastor to begin [catechetical instruction for this purpose]. Yet, I know that the quality of catechesis that these parishes offer is not ideal.
Instead, I would like to offer these students the opportunity to attend specific classes at school and do only those things that are necessary at a local parish. Is this permissible? If not, is there anything that a Catholic school can do to help non-Catholic students initiate the process of joining the Church? – Daniel
Q2: I recently contacted our parish priest regarding a problem I have with anxiety, walking up to receive Communion. I told him that my husband used to get a Host for me and bring it back to me [in my pew] until we were told by a priest that this was not allowed… However, my husband and I talked to others about it and were told that other people do this so we thought it would be ok, and we went back to my husband getting me one when he went up. I recently found out that he wasn’t taking one for himself and getting me one rather he was giving me his. This is very sweet of him however I told him I would rather he keep it for himself.
We wondered if my husband became a Eucharistic Minister we could “get around” my problem while I worked on rectifying it. I reached out to my pastor regarding my anxiety issue…. I also tried taking communion after Mass and I just feel that is too much attention on me therefore, I would feel uncomfortable receiving communion from the Eucharistic Minister that walks around the church at communion looking for people who for whatever reason are unable to go to altar to receive communion. I do not mean to be difficult.
… His response was no. Specifically, “While you are dealing with a unique situation, I’m not able to honor your request as you have suggested. Communion must be consumed at the moment of reception. This is to avoid the profanation of the Eucharist. I encourage you to continue attending Sunday Mass, and to receive Communion either by approaching the altar, or from [the minister who brings the Eucharist to those in the congregation who are infirm and cannot approach the altar themselves].” I feel that my priest is just not willing to help and this truly hurts my heart…. I don’t mean to be difficult or argumentative. I just feel that if he could do something it would be nice if he did and not so hurtful. –Jeanne Continue reading
Q1: Is a parish required to register an emergency baptism conferred by a layman? Thanks. –Rimsky
Q2: I have a question that I’m hoping you can help me with. Is it possible to baptize an infant at a parish located in a different Diocese than the one where the family is registered, while still recording the baptism with their home parish? –Khalil Continue reading
HABEMUS PAPAM!
Pope Leo XIV is an American … AND a canon lawyer.
