Summary
Auxiliary Bishop Athanasius Schneider of Astana, Kazakhstan, challenged Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández regarding his claim that texts from the Second Vatican Council cannot be modified. In an interview with Robert Moynihan on February 17, Schneider criticized the assertion and emphasized that only the Word of God is immutable. He stated that dogmas proclaimed ex cathedra by Popes cannot be changed as they are infallible but can be improved for clarity. Schneider clarified that the Second Vatican Council was primarily pastoral in nature, aiming to provide explanations rather than definitive teachings. He suggested that the formulation of certain expressions within the council could be improved or corrected over time due to their pastoral character. Regarding the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), Schneider maintained that the question cannot be resolved at present and believed that ambiguities found in some council statements, such as religious freedom, Ecumenism, and collegiality, should be honestly examined. He cited historical examples including provisions for Jews living in Christian towns with distinctive signs during the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215.
Key Topics
Vatican Council, Bishop Schneider, Cardinal Fernández
