THURSDAY
March 29, 2001
volume 12, no. 88

    VATICAN, Mar. 28, 01 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II brought together the heads of the curial dicasteries on March 22 to consult with them on the possible results of the dialogue started with the Society of St. Pius X, according to the Milan newspaper Il Foglio on Tuesday.

    Il Foglio said the Pope and cardinals spoke about the possibility of rescinding the 1988 excommunication of the Lefebvrist movement. Two solutions were presented, that of a personal prelature identical to that of Opus Dei or that of an apostolic vicariate which would offer the movement almost total autonomy from diocesan bishops.

    Two cardinals were apparently opposed to the idea, according to Il Foglio, namely Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, and Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, prefect of the Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature. These two cardinals reportedly renewed the arguments of certain French bishops who were opposed to a rapprochement with the Lefebvrist movement.

    In addition, a book originating with the Society of Saint Pius X recently republished in France and entitled, "The Problem of Liturgical Reform, A Theological and Liturgical Study," was reportedly, during the meeting, a significant point in favor of those who would like the current situation to remain in place. Indeed, this book includes in its foreword the "Address to the Holy Father," written on February 2, 2001 by Bishop Fellay, superior of the society, which recalls point by point criticisms by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre of the "new liturgy."

    Il Foglio said that after this consultation the final decision, which remains with John Paul, could be announced at any time.

March 29, 2001 volume 12, no. 88 News from ROME www.DailyCatholic.org