Answering Objections: "Are Sedevacantists Even Catholic?"
Refutation of the Video’s Objections
Summary
The video discusses the position of benevacantists, who argue that Pope Benedict XVI did not validly resign and therefore remained the true pope until his death. The speaker refutes this claim, asserting that Benedict did resign properly and that his resignation was clear in intent.
Additionally, the video addresses claims that Pope Francis' election was invalid, stating that even if certain procedural irregularities occurred (such as caucusing among cardinals), they do not invalidate the election. The argument follows that those who deny Francis' legitimacy—whether benevacantists or sedevacantists—are in a state of schism because they do not submit to the current pope. The speaker further argues that such individuals should not receive Holy Communion and, under canonical law, may also be guilty of the crime of schism.
Key Quotes
“Benedict did resign… You can quibble about how he did it, but he communicated that he was no longer pope.”
The speaker insists that any debate about Benedict’s resignation is merely rationalization.
“The argument that Francis’ election was invalid has no canonical merit.”
The video dismisses any claims that procedural issues in Francis’ election render it void.
“If you are not in subjection to the Roman Pontiff, you are a sedevacantist and in a state of schism.”
The speaker argues that anyone rejecting Francis as pope is effectively a schismatic.
“If you deny Francis’ papacy, you should not present yourself for Holy Communion.”
A clear warning that dissenters are ineligible for the sacraments.
Analysis and Refutation
1. Benedict XVI Was Never a True Pope
The argument assumes that Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) was ever a valid pope, but this premise is false. Ratzinger was a public heretic before, during, and after his supposed pontificate and, therefore, could not have been the pope according to Catholic teaching.
Heresy Automatically Excludes One from the Papacy
According to Pope Paul IV’s Cum Ex Apostolatus Officio (1559), if a cleric, even a pope, has publicly defected from the faith, his election is null and void from the beginning.Ratzinger Embraced Modernist Heresies
He rejected the Catholic dogma of the necessity of the Catholic Church for salvation (Dominus Iesus, 2000).
He actively participated in ecumenical services with non-Catholics, which was condemned by Mortalium Animos (Pope Pius XI, 1928).
He accepted Vatican II's religious liberty doctrine, which was condemned by Quanta Cura (Pope Pius IX, 1864).
Since Ratzinger was not a Catholic, he could not be pope, and thus any discussion about whether he resigned properly is meaningless.
2. Francis’ Election Was Invalid Because He Is a Heretic
The video dismisses concerns about Francis’ election, arguing that procedural violations do not invalidate it. However, Bergoglio's heresy is the real issue.
A Public Heretic Cannot Be Pope
St. Robert Bellarmine: “A manifest heretic is automatically deposed and removed from the Church.”
Canon 188, 1917 Code of Canon Law: If a cleric defects from the faith, his office becomes vacant.
Francis Teaches Doctrines Condemned by the Church
He promotes religious pluralism (Abu Dhabi Declaration, 2019), which contradicts Quanta Cura (1864).
He allows Communion for the divorced and remarried (Amoris Laetitia, 2016), contradicting Council of Trent (Session 13).
He embraces Pachamama idolatry, violating the First Commandment.
If Bergoglio is a heretic, then his election is invalid. The only Catholic response is to reject him as an antipope.
3. The False Definition of Schism
The video falsely claims that rejecting Francis is schismatic. But schism only applies when one separates from a legitimate pope.
Catechism of the Council of Trent: “Schismatics are those who refuse to submit to the Pope as the Head of the Church.”
If Francis is not a legitimate pope, refusing to submit to him is not schism.
True schism comes from those who reject the Church’s past teachings to follow the heretical Vatican II sect.
Rejecting Francis is not schism but fidelity to the true Catholic Church.
Sedevacantism: The Only True Catholic Response
The video argues that rejecting Francis means rejecting the Catholic Church. This is false because the Vatican II institution is not the Catholic Church.
Vatican II Created a New Religion
The post-Vatican II Church rejects traditional Catholic dogma and embraces modernism.
The new liturgy (Novus Ordo) is Protestantized and contradicts the Catholic understanding of the Mass (Quo Primum, Pope St. Pius V).
The new ecclesiology contradicts the dogma of the One True Church.
True Catholics Must Reject the Vatican II Sect
Pope Leo XIII, Satis Cognitum: “He who dissents even in one point from divinely revealed doctrine absolutely rejects the faith.”
Since the Vatican II sect teaches heresy, it is not the Catholic Church.
Sedevacantism Is the Only Logical Conclusion
If Vatican II contradicts past Church teaching, it is a false council.
If Francis and his predecessors are heretics, they are not true popes.
The papal seat is vacant, and true Catholics must reject the Vatican II counterfeit Church.
Key Takeaways
Ratzinger was a heretic and therefore was never pope.
Francis is a public heretic and cannot be pope.
Rejecting Vatican II and its antipopes is not schism but Catholic fidelity.
Sedevacantism is the only position that aligns with true Catholic doctrine.
Conclusion
The video’s argument is built on false premises and contradictions. It assumes Benedict XVI was a valid pope despite his heresies and falsely accuses sedevacantists of schism. True Catholics must reject the Vatican II Church and its false claimants to the papacy. Sedevacantism is not just a theological option—it is the only logical and Catholic response to the crisis in the Church.
