Clarification Sought on Allowing Divorcees to Take Communion
Cardinal Raymond Burke insisted on a formal correction in the Amoris Laetitia issued by Pope Francis last year, saying confusion surrounding the controversial document on papal marriage is making people including himself "understandably" upset.
The American cardinal issued the statement after speaking on Friday, March 24, at St. Raymond of Peñafort Catholic Church, as part of its distinguished speaker series. During the Q&A session, he was asked if he expected a response to the "dubia" from the Bishop of Rome, LifeSiteNews reported.
"I certainly hope that there will be because these are fundamental questions that are obviously raised by the text of the...post-synodal apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia," Burke replied. "Until these questions are answered, there continues to spread a very harmful confusion in the Church."
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Burke is one of the four cardinals to present Pope Francis with five dubia (yes-or-no questions) seeking clarification on Amoris Laetitia, particularly on the matters of divorce, remarriage and the Holy Communion. The questions were publicized after the pope didn't reply, according to Crux.
Bishops around the world are at odds over how to apply Amoris Laetitia. Some bishops in Germany, Malta and Argentina where Pope Francis hails believe it gives the license to divorced and remarried individuals to receive communion without having to abstain from sexual relations.
Other bishops, including most from Africa, believe the document doesn't allow it. Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, which advices on Church law, opined that there are certain concrete situations wherein a couple might continue to have sexual relations even if the Church doesn't recognize their marriage.
Burke stressed that the dubia's publication was done with "great respect," adding that the process is a traditional way in the Church to seek clarification in times of confusion.
"Many people, because of this confusion are becoming very upset and understandably so," he said. "I have become upset myself at times."
