Summary
Cardinal George Pell, a former Australian Cardinal and survivor of sexual abuse allegations against him in his home country, wrote an article for The Spectator shortly before his death. In the piece, he criticized the Vatican’s upcoming ‘Synod on Synodality,’ accusing it of producing an “incoherent document” that embodies “toxic nightmare” plans. Pell contends that this synod, which is to be held in two sessions over the next two years and produced by a booklet filled with “neo-Marxist jargon,” disregards fundamental Christian teachings such as divine judgment, heaven, and hell. He further criticizes the document for being hostile towards apostolic tradition and overly inclusive of non-Catholic groups, including secularists and those who have not yet converted to Catholicism. While acknowledging growing numbers in Africa and Asia, Pell highlights significant losses among Latin American Catholics to Protestantism and secularization. The synod, led by bishops, emphasizes “synodality,” a term used to describe the Church’s approach of inclusivity rather than strict adherence to traditional teachings on issues like abortion, contraception, women’s ordination, and homosexual activity.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Pope Francis, Synod on Synodality
