Love for the Papacy and Filial Resistance to the Pope in the History of the Church

by Roberto de Mattei, Raymond Leo Burke (Foreword)

In this book, Roberto de Mattei steers us perceptively through centuries of Church history concerning both the wise, and the disastrous, decisions of popes and from the role of Pope Liberius in the Arian crisis to the troubled Vatican compromises with the French Third Republic; from the Ostpolitik and liturgical rupture of Paul VI to the erosion of dogmatic truths and moral absolutes under Pope Francis. In these and in many more examples de Mattei’s judgment rings popes have been mistaken in their political, pastoral, and even magisterial acts, and the resistance of the faithful to such acts is a duty and a cause of benefit. Along the way we are offered an illuminating catechism in ecclesiology, the nature of the Magisterium, and the limits of papal authority. Especially helpful are de Mattei’s discussion of the hypothesis of a heretical pope, his clear explanation of the difference between filial resistance and disobedience to the Successors of the Apostles when they make heterodox pronouncements, and his ample treatment of the significance and profound implications of recent public remonstrations with the current pontificate on behalf of orthodoxy. The author’s rich historical narratives, deftly intertwined with dogmatic, moral, and canonical principles, make this work a potent resource for grappling with the current crises of the Church. “This unified collection of essays and lectures by Roberto de Mattei provides an invaluable service not only to the Catholic faithful but to the world. In a time of extraordinary confusion in the Church of Christ, de Mattei offers nothing less than a guide for the perplexed. His new book is a masterly combination of scholarship and popular theological exposition in limpid prose. I cannot recommend enough this indispensable work.”— FR. RICHARD MUNKELT , author of Ocean of An Odyssey to the Isle of St. Anselm (forthcoming) “As the publisher of a Catholic newspaper, I can say without hesitation or exaggeration that I would front-page each and every chapter of this book. Professor de Mattei’s deep and abiding concern for Holy Mother Church is palpable on every page. He encourages his readers not to despair but rather to consult history itself in order to learn how to face an increasingly uncertain future. This book is a lifeline for those struggling to navigate the whitewater rapids of the pontificate of Pope Francis.”— MICHAEL J. MATT , Editor, The Remnant “Historian Roberto de Mattei has put together a wide-ranging, focused, and eminently useful book for Catholics trying to remain oriented in a time of confusion. His discussion covers the philosophical and historical background of current secularizing trends as well as more specific topics such as papal authority, past instances of papal error, what clergy, theologians, and ordinary believers have done to limit the resulting damage, and the present outlook. It is the most helpful book I have read on the current situation.”— JAMES KALB , author of Against Inclusiveness and The Tyranny of Liberalism

Genres: Catholic, Religion

232 pages, Paperback

Published May 14, 2019

About the author

Roberto de Mattei (born 21 February 1948 in Rome, Italy) is an Italian Roman Catholic historian and author.

Reviews

[John Dembowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A tree is judged by its fruit."

This book is beyond necessary for this day and age. Anyone who is confused about the state of the Church will find perspective and consolation, which inevitably will endow them with a militant spirit to adhere to the Tradition and perennial teaching of the faith, whose sole source is Christ.

The author walks through history and how there have been many times where popes themselves as well as council documents have been heretical. I realized how the error of papolatry, and the incorrect understanding of infallibility, have spread through the Church, especially in the past 50 years. I was always taught that the pope was infallible with faith and morals. However, Catholic Tradition has a much more stringent understanding, as papal pronouncements can never be adhered to so long as they stay from the perennial teaching of Christ. To believe otherwise is to become the idolators protestants have accused Catholics of for years - that the Pope is a new Christ and can change doctrine, dogma, and teachings as he sees fit - which could not be further from true Catholic faith.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The state of the Church dictates the state of the world. The author does a fantastic job merging together history, philosophy, and theology showing case other moments of crisis in the church as well as the implications of the contemporary scene. He does use canon law in certain points but there seems to be more focus on filial resistance and sensus fidei as well as loyalty to the eternal magisterium of the Church rooted in sacred tradition over the contemporary magisterium - which is limited and compromised. Highly recommended book for those who consider themselves devout and practicing.

[Robert Narojek · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, I got this book as a gift from my friends, so it was a good idea to read it ☺ Were it not for the name of the author, who, after all, is supposed to be a professor, I would consider this book as an insignificant voice in the discussion about Pope Francis. However, what emanates from the first pages of this book is the venom of aversion towards Bergolio.

But then again, I have completed my PhD studies with the Summa cum Laude grade and have learned a little about the history of the church and the fundamental development of theological thought over the past two thousand years. Therefore, I can confidently say that Mr de Matei's work is based on facts that he interprets in accordance with the assumptions of the ideology of traditionalists who, as always in the history of the church, refer only to those elements that support their theses.

When studying dogmatic or moral theology, one meets many theologians, professors, more or less traditional and sometimes progressive. However, what de Matei presents is a total rejection of any debate in the name of "purity of faith", and from such an attitude is very close to persecution, which is too much in the history of the Catholic Church.

In fact, if you consider, seriously, the question - Can the Church change something in itself? This theologically true answer will be quite simple. The Church can change everything except dogmas, which frankly there are very few, all the rest are just traditions that Catholics write in capital letters.

The author behaves like the "scribe" that Jesus warned against every now and then, and what came to us through the texts of the Gospels. Moreover, de Matei is a master of the masters in the practice of total pharisaism, also strongly critisized by Jesus. The author's hypocrisy is evident when you read the entire book and you can see that the phrases about love and unity with the See of Peter are just a facade, behind which there is a total open call to rebellion against Francis. This is Pharisaism in its purest form, unfortunately ubiquitous in all "traditionalists" for whom only tradition is important and Jesus is only a pretext, or to say more strongly - a "fig leaf" covering their perfidy.

Significantly, the absolute majority of the footnotes that professor de Matei uses as support are of American origin, often from sources and authors quite unknown, but theoretically confirming his "anti-Franciscan" ideology. It is a fact that the greatest revival of movements opposed to Pope Francis comes precisely from the territory of the United States, as well as from the financial support given by the Koch brothers.

I read this book because it is a gift from my friends, but I would definitely not buy it and to be honest I would not recommend reading it to anyone, because it is a pity to waste time reding something pretending to be scientifically solid book.

[Julie Kos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understanding the Crisis

Organized in broad sections: Church Law, History, Current events; concise advice for the laity. A head's up to figure events.

[Carlos Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical and current overview of the Papacy

While history does not repeats itself exactly, it gives us a pretty good indication of what are our lessons learned.

[Eric Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be obligatory reading for literally every single Catholic today. Clearly explains that sometimes popes can do something that not only cannot be followed but in fact needs to be opposed.