Francis Is a Heretic, by Most Rev. Germán Fliess
Summary
Most Rev. Germán Fliess presents a compelling analogy to illustrate the duty of faithful Catholics in the face of the ongoing crisis within the Church. He recounts a story of a young athlete and an old lawyer witnessing a man attempting to strangle a woman. The lawyer insists that only the police have the authority to intervene, but when the police fail to act, the athlete takes matters into his own hands to save the woman’s life. When the police finally arrive, they acknowledge that his actions were necessary. Later, a judge officially exonerates him, recognizing his intervention as just and praiseworthy.
The bishop applies this analogy to the modern Church crisis: while, under normal circumstances, only a general council or the College of Cardinals would have the authority to judge Vatican II or declare a pope a heretic, the hierarchy has abandoned its duty for over six decades. This failure necessitates that faithful Catholics—particularly clergy—denounce Vatican II and the false papacy of Francis, not as an act of jurisdiction, but as an act of charity. Just as the young athlete could not stand idly by while a woman was being murdered, so too must clergy and laity speak out against the destruction of souls through heresy.
He concludes with a firm commitment: until a true pope or council formally condemns Vatican II and Francis, the duty remains to proclaim the truth boldly, even unto death.
Key Quotes & Their Significance
“The old lawyer in this story, though an expert in law, had not what we call good judgment… he was too bookish.”
This illustrates the failure of those who insist that only an official council can act, ignoring the reality that the hierarchy is paralyzed and refusing to intervene.
“I was not going to let her die. I realized I am the only one here who can help.”
This reflects the moral obligation of sedevacantists to act when those in authority remain silent.
“The end of the law of police is not the letter but the end is to safeguard the security of the citizens.”
Just as civil law exists to maintain justice rather than serve as a rigid legalism, Church law exists to safeguard the faith, not to allow heresy to flourish unchallenged.
“Yes, in normal situations, it is the Cardinals who should do something… but they are not doing it.”
The failure of the hierarchy to address Vatican II and its heresies demands extraordinary action from those who recognize the crisis.
“We cannot remain silent… We see souls choking to death, in danger of eternal damnation, going to hell, and we cannot remain silent.”
The bishop makes clear that silence in the face of heresy is complicity; speaking out is a duty, not an option.
“If everybody remains silent, then souls are going to drink the poison of heresy and moral error and they’re going to go to hell.”
The moral imperative to resist Vatican II is based on the eternal consequences of heresy.
“We shall continue to say it and say it very loudly and clear, even until death if necessary.”
A firm commitment to standing for the truth, even in the face of opposition.
Analysis
The Crisis of Authority & the Failure of the Hierarchy
The analogy underscores the sedevacantist position that the College of Cardinals and bishops have abdicated their responsibility. Just as the policeman ignored the crime in the story, the post-Vatican II hierarchy has turned away from its duty to defend the faith.
This is not a new phenomenon. Church history provides examples of corrupt and heretical clergy who misled the faithful. However, the severity of the crisis today is unprecedented—heretical teachings have been officially institutionalized.
Common Sense & the Duty of the Faithful
The old lawyer symbolizes those who cling to legalistic arguments to justify inaction. While canon law acknowledges that only a general council or pope can formally judge a heretical pope, common sense dictates that if they fail to act, the faithful must at least recognize and resist the error.
Just as natural law affirms a duty to save a person in mortal danger when no authority intervenes, divine law imposes the duty to safeguard the faith when the hierarchy refuses to do so.
Juridical Authority vs. Moral Obligation
The bishop carefully distinguishes between juridical authority (which sedevacantists do not claim) and moral duty (which they exercise by proclaiming the truth).
While only a general council or a true pope can formally and canonically condemn Vatican II and its heresies, this does not mean Catholics must remain silent until that happens.
Charity as the Motivating Force
The speech emphasizes that the resistance against Vatican II and Francis is not driven by a quest for power, but by charity—concern for the salvation of souls.
The abandonment of doctrine by the Vatican II Church places countless souls at risk of eternal damnation, making it imperative to expose and reject its errors.
Hope for a Future Restoration
While sedevacantists denounce Vatican II and Francis as a false pope, they recognize that a formal judgment will only come from a future valid authority.
Until that day arrives, the duty to resist and expose the errors of Vatican II remains.
Takeaways & Practical Applications
Failure of Authority Requires Action
The Church’s hierarchy has failed in its duty, leaving faithful clergy and laity to act in defense of the faith.
Speaking Out is a Duty of Charity, Not a Claim to Authority
Sedevacantists do not declare juridically, but they must proclaim the truth for the salvation of souls.
Blind Legalism is Dangerous
Like the old lawyer, many Catholics refuse to apply reason to the crisis, insisting on procedural technicalities while souls perish.
Heresy Must Be Publicly Rejected
Silence in the face of heresy is a sin. Proclaiming the truth is an obligation.
Awaiting a True Council or Pope
The Church will one day formally judge Vatican II, but until then, resistance is necessary.
Conclusion
Most Rev. Germán Fliess delivers a forceful and logical defense of the sedevacantist position, using an analogy that highlights the moral imperative to act when legitimate authorities fail. The Vatican II hierarchy has abandoned its duty, and faithful Catholics cannot remain silent while souls are lost.
This speech effectively articulates the sedevacantist stance: the Church is in crisis, and while only a future pope or council can officially judge Vatican II, common sense and charity demand that its errors be publicly denounced now.
Until that day of official condemnation arrives, the duty remains: to proclaim the truth boldly, to warn souls of the dangers of Vatican II, and to stand firm in the Catholic faith, even to the point of death.
