In law,
motu proprio (Latin for "on his own impulse") describes an
official act taken without a formal request from another party. Some jurisdictions use the term "sua sponte" for the same concept.
In Catholic Law, it refers to a document
issued by the pope on his own initiative and personally signed by him. Such a document may be addressed to the whole church, to part of it, or to some individuals. The first Catholic
motu proprio was promulgated by Pope Innocent VIII in 1484. It continues to be a common form of papal rescript, especially when establishing institutions, making minor changes to law or procedure, and when granting favors to persons or institutions.
+++
One of the aims of Satan, I am sure, is to sow division. One of the ways to counter this is have a leader, in our case Pope Francis working together with the CDF (
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith) and issuing encyclicals, papal bulls, and motu proprio such as the one above regarding same sex couple blessings. No other voice, such as a Bishop, Cardinal, Deacon, Nun, Sister, or Lay Person(s) for that matter can speak for the Church in this official capacity.
As we have already discussed, a Pope can give an interview, speech, etc., expressing a view that would appear contrary to the current doctrine - but it is not law. He is not sitting in the chair of Peter and speaking (
Ex Cathedra) or more commonly referred to as "infallible". I do challenge every Catholic on here to follow the teachings of our faith (CCC), myself included, but speak your mind. Just do so in a way that does not contradict what has been written and promulgated.
+++
Bishop Strickland has called out Pope Francis by name. Bishop Schneider was more tactful, but just as direct when he writes, "high ranking churchmen, even in the Vatican" promoting the approval of the sin of homosexual activity under the guise of welcoming and inclusion. I have no doubt that there are such persons who seek such approval. However, it is not coming from Pope Francis.
Jrico, you write that it will be a "major emphasis" - but from what I am reading and listening to (including Fr. Martin SJ) this won't be the case. Please put down your sword.
Aggietony2010, again - just noise. Follow the official teachings.
Dies Irae, there will likely be no penalties for free thinking, even against a moto proprio. It is the way the Church operates. They listen and act (or not) very, very slowly.
+++
The upcoming conclusion to the
Synod 2021-2024 starts in October. A Synod is a gathering of the faithful in order to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church and asking her to be and to do. Pope Francis has sought from the beginning of his pontificate to invigorate and reconfigure the Synod of Bishops so that it might become more of an exercise of listening and discernment. Ever since his election in 2013, he has been teaching the Church about synodality and encouraging us to become a more synodal Church at every level.
You cannot effectively listen if you start to shut people down.+++
"
You spend most of your time promoting that very sin"
I do not promote sin. I have written that it I believe it is a sin now because the current understanding is from a heterosexual lens. At all times, I was clear that it is my thinking alone and that I do not know what the answer is for two persons, of the same sex, who freely love each other and desire to commit to each other for life. I still do not know and I am hopeful that the more we talk/pray about this the more clear the answer will be.
