PabloSerna said:
Good to know about the absence of parishes. I was under the impression that SSPX operated within the diocesan structure. I guess things will remain as-is with the exception of any type of relationship with Rome?
I can see your side of it, in the sense that Rome does not have the authority to excommunicate if, as I understand Archbishop Lefebre, the (this) Popes since Paul VI are the Anti-Christ.
Wish it weren't so, but at least it will be something to put behind us and focus on the mission- riding horses, spreading the gospel, and such :-)
Yeah I mean it's simple and complicated at the same time. They are real popes not "the anti-Christ," or even anti-popes. They are true popes and that's partly what makes it such a delicate and painful situation. You could analogize it as an abusive father. We owe our fathers obedience and loyalty, but if he comes home drunk and tells you to pour gasoline on the couch and light it on fire, obviously you would have an obligation to disobey in that situation. Now, he could still punish you temporally, maybe he beats you or cusses at you, whatever it may be, but you aren't guilty of the crime of disobedience. He doesn't stop being your father just because he is not living up to his role/office.
I apologize for the extreme and provocative analogy, but I wanted to use something that would get the severity of the situation point across. We are talking about things that have an affect of the salvation of souls, after all, and not superficial "preferences".
Remember that canon law is a human law that is subject to Divine law and the salvation of souls.
Who knows, really, what the relationship with Rome will be after this. Pope Francis was one of the most modernist popes we have ever had and he was extremely amiable towards the Society going back to his days in Argentina. But it does seem that talks will be even more strained than they were at least for a period of time.
In the mind of the SSPX, they are not leaving Rome and they will continue to try and meet to overcome issues.
ETA: I believe you do misunderstand Abp. Lefebvre by the way. Although some draw him as a disobedient character with no regard for the pope, he was never a sedevacantist in his earthly life. This is why he was so troubled and saddened.