A bunch of ‘mentally imbalanced’ Popes, Saints, and Theologians begs to differ with Pope Francis

What I wish to address more thoroughly, however, are the Pope’s un-Catholic remarks about Tradition and the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), effectively targeting faithful Catholics like you and me.

The Madhouse by Francisco Goya (Wikimedia Commons

This past week, “Pope” Francis unveiled his memoir titled Hope, and as anticipated, it is a veritable spectacle.

Much has already been said elsewhere, but for the benefit of my dear readers, I shall offer a brief examination of some of the "gems" our Pontiff has presented to an unsuspecting public before delving into a particularly irksome aspect.

(Lest there be any confusion, I must disclose upfront that I have not read Hope in its entirety. This post is based on reports from credible sources, both Catholic and secular).

In a feeble attempt to downplay the gravity of sexual sin while taking a jab at the incoming American president, the 88-year-old alleged successor of St. Peter draws comparisons between President Trump and historical tyrants like Hitler and Mussolini.

LifeSiteNews reports that Pope Francis claims sexual sins “are really not the most serious,” asserting that pride, hatred, falsehood, fraud, and abuse of power are far graver. He references the Italian film A Special Day to illustrate his point. The film centers on a homosexual man and a woman left alone in an apartment as Rome awaits Hitler’s visit to Mussolini. The Pope notes, “Whereas Mussolini and Hitler are greeted with jubilation, the two central characters are treated with public scorn… It is strange that nobody worries about the blessing of an entrepreneur who exploits people [a thinly veiled reference to Trump], a grave sin, or about someone polluting our common home, while there’s public scandal if the pope blesses a divorced woman or a homosexual.”

Elsewhere in Hope, the Holy Father extols one of his favorite topics: the "alphabet perversions."

“Everyone in the Church is invited, including the divorced, homosexuals, and transgender individuals… The first time a group of transgender people came to the Vatican, they left in tears, moved because I had taken their hands, kissed them… As if I had done something exceptional for them. But they are daughters of God!” writes Pope Francis. Disturbingly, he appears to affirm men pretending to be women as “daughters of God,” thereby legitimizing their sin. He further states that transgender persons “can receive baptism under the same conditions as others, serve as godparents, and be witnesses to marriage,” without mentioning conversion. Regarding homosexuals, again without mentioning conversion, he asserts, “God the Father loves them unconditionally, just as He loves all of us, being close, merciful, and tender.” No surprises there—he must keep the papal apologists busy.

What I wish to address more thoroughly, however, are the Pope’s un-Catholic remarks about Tradition and the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), effectively targeting faithful Catholics like you and me.

“From a sociological point of view, it is interesting to consider the phenomenon of traditionalism, this ‘backwardism’ that resurfaces each century, clinging to a supposed perfect age,” writes Pope Francis. He claims that Traditionis Custodes was necessary because “it is unhealthy for the liturgy to become ideology.” A rich statement from perhaps the most ideological Pope in history—Mr. Marxist-Woke-Liberation Theology himself.

Finally, his coup de grace to Traditionalists:

“This rigidity is often accompanied by elegant and costly tailoring, lace, fancy trimmings, rochets. Not a taste for tradition but clerical ostentation, which then becomes an ecclesiastical version of individualism. Not a return to the sacred but quite the opposite, to sectarian worldliness… Such attire sometimes conceals mental imbalance, emotional deviation, behavioral difficulties [emphasis mine], a personal problem that may be exploited.”

Yes, dear readers, according to Pope Francis, our commitment to practicing Catholicism as Christ intended suggests we (and some of the greatest Catholic Popes, Saints, and Theologians) need therapy, as it allegedly points to mental health challenges!

But as always, let’s look at our rich history and see what the other “lunatics in the asylum” had to say on these matters

The TLM has been central to Catholic worship for millennia. Codified by Pope St. Pius V in 1570 following the Council of Trent, the TLM was designed to preserve the purity of Catholic doctrine and worship. In his Apostolic Constitution Quo Primum, Pope St. Pius V declared:

“Let all everywhere adopt and observe what has been handed down by the Holy Roman Church, the Mother and Teacher of the other churches, and let Masses not be sung or read according to any other formula than that of this Missal published by Us. This ordinance applies henceforth, now, and forever, throughout all the provinces of the Christian world, to all patriarchs, cathedral churches, collegiate and parish churches, be they secular or religious, both of men and of women – even of military orders – and of churches or chapels without a specific congregation in which conventual Masses are sung aloud in choir or read privately in accord with the rites and customs of the Roman Church. This Missal is to be used by all churches, even by those which in their authorization are made exempt, whether by Apostolic indult, custom, or privilege, or even if by oath or official confirmation of the Holy See, or have their rights and faculties guaranteed to them by any other manner whatsoever.

This new rite alone is to be used unless approval of the practice of saying Mass differently was given at the very time of the institution and confirmation of the church by Apostolic See at least 200 years ago, or unless there has prevailed a custom of a similar kind which has been continuously followed for a period of not less than 200 years, in which most cases We in no wise rescind their above-mentioned prerogative or custom. However, if this Missal, which we have seen fit to publish, be more agreeable to these latter, We grant them permission to celebrate Mass according to its rite, provided they have the consent of their bishop or prelate or of their whole Chapter, everything else to the contrary notwithstanding.

All other of the churches referred to above, however, are hereby denied the use of other missals, which are to be discontinued entirely and absolutely; whereas, by this present Constitution, which will be valid henceforth, now, and forever, We order and enjoin that nothing must be added to Our recently published Missal, nothing omitted from it, nor anything whatsoever be changed within it under the penalty of Our displeasure.

We specifically command each and every patriarch, administrator, and all other persons or whatever ecclesiastical dignity they may be, be they even cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, or possessed of any other rank or pre-eminence, and We order them in virtue of holy obedience to chant or to read the Mass according to the rite and manner and norm herewith laid down by Us and, hereafter, to discontinue and completely discard all other rubrics and rites of other missals, however ancient, which they have customarily followed; and they must not in celebrating Mass presume to introduce any ceremonies or recite any prayers other than those contained in this Missal.

Furthermore, by these presents [this law], in virtue of Our Apostolic authority, We grant and concede in perpetuity that, for the chanting or reading of the Mass in any church whatsoever, this Missal is hereafter to be followed absolutely, without any scruple of conscience or fear of incurring any penalty, judgment, or censure, and may freely and lawfully be used. Nor are superiors, administrators, canons, chaplains, and other secular priests, or religious, of whatever title designated, obliged to celebrate the Mass otherwise than as enjoined by Us. We likewise declare and ordain that no one whosoever is forced or coerced to alter this Missal, and that this present document cannot be revoked or modified, but remain always valid and retain its full force…"

Pope Pius XII, in his encyclical Mediator Dei, emphasized the value of Latin in preserving doctrinal purity and unity, saying "The use of the Latin language affords at once an imposing sign of unity and an effective safeguard against the corruption of true doctrine."

Pope John XXIII, in his apostolic constitution Veterum Sapientia, affirmed the importance of Latin when he said "Latin is the immutable language of the Church. It is a treasure of incomparable worth and remains a sign of unity across the world."

Pope Benedict XVI, in Summorum Pontificum, reiterated the timeless value of the TLM in his famous quote "What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful."

The TLM is renowned for its solemnity and reverence, drawing the faithful into deeper contemplation of the divine mysteries. St. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologica, explained "The ceremonies of the Church are not instituted without reason. They are signs of holy things, which we use in order to arouse our minds to the contemplation of divine things”, while St. Leonard of Port Maurice extolled the Mass as the greatest act of worship when he exclaimed "The Holy Mass is the most precious gift which the Church can offer to God. By it, the soul is nourished, the heart inflamed, and the love of God increased."

St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, highlighted the transformative power of the Mass: "All the good works together are not equal to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass because they are the works of men; but the Mass is the work of God."

The use of sacred language in worship has its roots in Scripture. In the Old Testament, Hebrew was reserved for liturgical purposes, distinct from the vernacular Aramaic spoken daily. This practice underscored the sacredness of worship. St. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:40, emphasizes the need for order and reverence in worship, writing "But all things should be done decently and in order."

The same “mentally imbalanced” St. Paul of course also exhorted the faithful to hold fast to tradition when he wrote to the Thessalonians “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold to the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or by our epistle" (2 Thessalonians 2:15)”.

Another saint, who according to Pope Francis’ diagnoses is probably in need of therapy, St. Alphonsus Liguori, stressed the unparalleled value of the TLM: "The Mass is the best and most beautiful thing in the Church. If one truly understood the Mass, one would die of joy because God gives us His entire self in this sacred rite."

“Crazy” Cardinal Newman, reflecting on the continuity of tradition, stated that "To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant... The Tridentine Mass is not merely a human invention but a divine gift handed down through the ages."

Pope Benedict XVI, in The Spirit of the Liturgy, emphasized the sacred nature of the liturgy when he wrote "The greatness of the liturgy depends—we shall have to repeat this frequently—on its unspontaneity. It is in fact the liturgy that brings man out of his everyday life into a higher order."

St. Teresa of Avila, who definitely did not attend a clown Mass, said "There is no greater prayer than the Holy Mass. It is the sun of the spiritual exercises, the very soul of devotion."

Concerns about rigidity or exclusivity within the TLM community should be understood in context. Many young priests and faithful are drawn to the TLM not only out of a rejection of modernity but also from a deep desire for spiritual enrichment and continuity with the Church’s historical roots. The resurgence of interest in the TLM reflects a longing for beauty, depth, and transcendence in worship. Pope Leo XIII, in Apostolicae Curae, wrote:

"The Church has always preserved its rites with great care, to ensure that the faithful remain close to God through the sacred mysteries."

Pope St. Pius X also emphasized the significance of traditional liturgy:

"The Holy Mass is the sacrifice of Calvary renewed. Its value is infinite. We must therefore esteem it and attend it with reverence and devotion."

St. Robert Bellarmine, defending the traditional rites, stated:

"The rites of the Church are of apostolic origin. They are our heritage and must be preserved with the greatest fidelity."

And what have the “mentally impaired” stalwarts of the Catholic faith had to say about Tradition?

Anyone who has attended the most basic of Catholic catechism classes should know that the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ and is guided by the Holy Ghost, and that its greatest treasure is the sacred deposit of faith handed down through the ages. Tradition, alongside Scripture, forms the bedrock of Catholic belief and practice. The importance of adhering to Tradition is not merely a matter of historical fidelity but a profound means of safeguarding the purity of faith, maintaining continuity with the Apostolic Church, and fostering a deep, living connection with the Divine.

Tradition, as understood by the Catholic Church, is not simply customs or practices but encompasses the entire teaching, life, and worship of the Church. The Second Vatican Council’s Dei Verbum emphasizes, “Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God, committed to the Church.” (To use their council against them!). This underscores that Tradition is co-equal with Scripture in guiding the faithful.

St. Basil the Great, an influential early Church Father, also speaks to the importance of Tradition: “Of the dogmas and messages preserved in the Church, some we possess from written teaching and others we have received delivered to us in mystery by the Apostolic tradition; both of these have the same force in true religion.” This highlights that oral and written traditions are equally authoritative in conveying divine truths.

Tradition serves as a bulwark against the ever-changing tides of cultural and societal norms. It ensures the unaltered transmission of Christ’s teachings. Pope St. Pius X, in his encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis, warned against Modernism, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the immutable truths of faith preserved by Tradition. He wrote, “Far, far from the clergy be the love of novelty!” This highlights the Church’s role in preserving doctrinal purity against innovations that could dilute or distort the faith.

St. Vincent of Lérins offers a timeless principle for discerning authentic Tradition: “In the Catholic Church itself, all possible care must be taken, that we hold that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, by all.” This Vincentian Canon underscores that genuine Tradition is universally accepted, historically continuous, and broadly affirmed.

The early Church Father, St. Irenaeus, declared, “It is not necessary to seek the truth among others which it is easy to obtain from the Church; for the Apostles, like a rich man depositing his money in a bank, lodged in her hands most copiously all things pertaining to the truth.” His statement reinforces that the Church, through Tradition, is the custodian of divine truth.

Throughout history, the saints have been ardent defenders of Tradition. St. Athanasius, who fought against the Arian heresy, upheld the teachings of the Church Fathers, asserting, “The Church has received this faith from the Apostles and their disciples.” His defense of the Nicene Creed exemplifies how Tradition safeguards orthodoxy.

St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor, further elaborates on the necessity of Tradition in his Summa Theologica, stating, “It is necessary to have recourse to the teaching of the Church, for the faith of the Church cannot err.” Aquinas’ trust in the Church’s magisterial authority underscores the role of Tradition in providing a sure foundation for faith.

St. John Chrysostom also emphasized the necessity of Tradition, saying, “Hence it is manifest that they who oppose this cannot be of sound mind, who frame to themselves any other doctrine than that which was delivered by the Apostles.” This firmly aligns with the belief that the Apostolic Tradition is the definitive guide for the Church.

The unbroken continuity of Tradition connects the faithful of today with the Apostles and Christ Himself. Pope Benedict XVI, in his apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini, remarked, “Tradition is the living transmission of the word of God, and it is distinct from Sacred Scripture, though closely connected to it. Through Tradition, the Church, in her doctrine, life, and worship, perpetuates and transmits to every generation all that she is, all that she believes.”

St. Augustine eloquently expressed the importance of this continuity: “What the Church has always taught is true; that is the Apostolic faith. It is what the Lord has taught, what the Apostles have preached, and what the Martyrs have confessed.” Augustine’s words highlight the enduring nature of Tradition as a living witness to the Apostolic faith.

It is crucial to understand that Scripture and Tradition are not opposed but mutually enriching. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Sacred Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the Apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit” (CCC 81). This synergy between Scripture and Tradition ensures the fullness of divine revelation is accessible to the faithful.

Jesus Himself recognized the authority of Tradition when He declared, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you” (Matthew 23:2-3). Here, Christ acknowledges the legitimate authority derived from Tradition, even as He criticizes its misuse.

Pope Leo XIII, in his encyclical Providentissimus Deus, emphasized the harmony between Scripture and Tradition: “The sacred books have been written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; they have God for their author. But it is the Church’s role to guard and interpret these sacred writings. This function belongs to her by divine right, as it is only through her that the true meaning of Scripture can be known.”

The defense of Tradition is not merely an appeal to antiquity but a recognition of its vital role in preserving the integrity of the Catholic faith. Tradition ensures continuity with the Apostolic Church, safeguards doctrinal purity, and maintains a living connection with the teachings of Christ. As Pope Leo XIII asserted in Testem Benevolentiae Nostrae, “It is impossible to determine the meaning of Scripture without Tradition.” The faithful are thus called to cherish and adhere to Tradition, understanding it as a divine instrument through which the Holy Ghost continues to guide the Church into all truth. In embracing Tradition, Catholics remain anchored to the Apostolic faith, ensuring its transmission to future generations.

Now… can someone please pass my medicine and loosen this darn straitjacket!?

Ave Christus Rex!

Recognise and Resist!

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