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Category Archives: The Pope
Could a Pope Ever Be Excommunicated? (“Excommunication” Defined)
Q: There are certain enumerated acts which trigger automatic, latae sententiae excommunication. Some of these acts could conceivably be performed by a Pope; for instance, it seems a Pope could help procure an abortion. Is it, then, theoretically possible for a Pope … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunicate, excommunication, Pope
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Can a Pope Commit Heresy? (“Heresy” Defined)
Q: In theory, can a Pope commit heresy? If so, I’m trying to figure out who could declare that he was a heretic. What would happen? –Thomas A: This question had already been asked, before the September 24 announcement that … Continue reading
Can You Be Both a Catholic and a Sedevacantist?
Q: I have recently become friends with someone who follows Sedevacantism. It has provided an opportunity for me to be challenged to more fully understand church teaching. Would you consider sharing your wisdom and expertise to explain why Sedevacantism is … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, Pope, schism, sedevacantist
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If the Church Has Never Permitted Divorce, Why Did Henry VIII Expect the Pope to Give Him One?
Q: I understand that the Catholic Church does not approve of divorce. But I do not understand why Henry VIII asked the Pope to grant him a divorce from his wife, and expected the Pope to grant it. Was there … Continue reading
Posted in Marriage, Sacraments, The Pope
Tagged annulment, canon law, Catholic, divorce, Henry VIII, marriage
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Repost: What Are the Church’s Current Rules on Indulgences?
(On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will give the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square, and under the proper conditions Catholics can gain a plenary indulgence. So it seems appropriate to repost the Church’s rules on indulgences at … Continue reading
Posted in Other Canonical Questions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, indulgence, papal blessing
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