Bishop Pivarunas speaks on the basics of the Sedevacantist Theological Position during the 2006 Fatima Conference.

Summary

Bishop Pivarunas addresses the theological issue of a long interregnum (a prolonged vacancy of the papal office) and explains why it does not contradict the doctrine of perpetual succession in the Church. He demonstrates, using historical and theological sources, that the Church has endured extended papal vacancies and remained intact. The argument is supported by references to Pope Clement IV’s three-year interregnum, the Great Western Schism, and authoritative theologians such as Fr. Edward O’Reilly SJ and Cardinal Cajetan.

The video refutes the claim that the lack of cardinals prevents the election of a pope, citing historical precedents where the Universal Church had the power to elect a successor in cases of extreme ambiguity. This directly challenges the argument that only cardinals can elect a pope.

A key focus is the heresies of Vatican II and post-Vatican II popes, particularly concerning false ecumenism and the erroneous teaching that Jews do not need to convert for salvation. Statements by Cardinal Walter Kasper and John Paul II are cited as evidence of their rejection of Catholic dogma.

The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) is criticized for its contradictory stance—recognizing but resisting the pope. The speaker highlights the inconsistency of Archbishop Lefebvre’s statements, which oscillate between recognizing the legitimacy of the pope while denouncing his teachings as heretical. This approach is shown to be fundamentally flawed.

The video concludes that resisting a pope on matters of sinful commands (as some theologians allow) is distinct from resisting a pope who teaches heresy. The latter automatically loses the papal office, in line with the teaching of St. Robert Bellarmine. The argument is made that Vatican II popes are public heretics, and their authority is therefore null and void.

Key Quotes & Their Analysis

1. On the Possibility of a Long Interregnum

“This does not prevent the Church from remaining deprived even for many years.”
Analysis: This refutes the argument that a prolonged vacancy is impossible. Historical cases demonstrate that interregnums, even lasting years, do not contradict Catholic doctrine.

2. On the Church’s Ability to Elect a Pope Without Cardinals

“By exception or by supplementary manner, this power [of electing a pope] corresponds to the Church and to the Council either by the inexistence of cardinal electors or because they are doubtful.”
Analysis: This directly counters the objection that only cardinals can elect a pope. In extreme circumstances, the Universal Church can supply for an election, as seen in historical precedents like the Council of Constance.

3. On the Heresies of Vatican II Regarding the Jews

“A deepening Catholic appreciation of the Eternal Covenant between God and the Jewish people… lead to the conclusion that campaigns that target Jews for conversion to Christianity are no longer theologically acceptable.”
Analysis: This is a blatant rejection of Christ’s command to convert all nations (Matthew 28:19). It directly contradicts the dogma "Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus" (Outside the Church, there is no salvation).

4. John Paul II’s Heretical Statement on the Old Covenant

“John Paul II, when he visited the synagogue in Germany, actually said that the Old Covenant is still valid for the Jews.”
Analysis: This contradicts infallible Catholic teaching that the Old Covenant was fulfilled and superseded by Christ. Such a statement is heretical, proving that John Paul II was not a true pope.

5. On the Contradiction of SSPX’s Position

“His ideas are heretical, but he’s not a heretic.”
Analysis: This statement is logically and theologically absurd. If a person teaches heresy, they are a heretic. SSPX’s claim that post-Vatican II popes are heretical but still legitimate contradicts the teaching of St. Robert Bellarmine, who states that a public heretic ceases to be pope.

6. On the Loss of Office for a Heretical Pope

“If the pope becomes a heretic, he loses his position automatically.”
Analysis: This aligns with the teachings of St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Francis de Sales, and Pope Paul IV’s bull Cum Ex Apostolatus Officio, which affirm that a heretic cannot hold office in the Church.

Analysis

1. A Long Interregnum is Theologically Sound

• The objection that the papacy cannot remain vacant for a long period is unfounded.

• The Church has survived long interregnums in history (e.g., Pope Clement IV’s three-year vacancy).

• Theologians like Fr. Edward O’Reilly SJ affirm that a prolonged vacancy does not contradict Christ’s promise.

2. The Universal Church Can Elect a Pope Without Cardinals

• The argument that “no cardinals means no pope” is false.

• Historical precedent (e.g., Council of Constance) shows that the Church can supply for a papal election.

• Cardinal Cajetan and other theologians affirm that, in extreme cases, the election power belongs to the Universal Church.

3. Post-Vatican II Popes are Public Heretics and Have Lost Office

• John Paul II’s statement that the Old Covenant is still valid is directly heretical.

• Cardinal Kasper’s statement that Jews should not be converted contradicts Catholic dogma.

• A pope cannot be a heretic, as per St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Antoninus, and Pope Paul IV.

• Since Vatican II popes publicly teach heresy, they are not true popes.

4. The SSPX’s Position is Theologically Incoherent

• The SSPX recognizes the pope but resists him.

• This contradicts Catholic teaching, which states that a pope must be obeyed in faith and morals.

• If a pope is a heretic, he automatically loses office—SSPX fails to follow this logical conclusion.

5. Vatican II is a False Church

• Vatican II introduces false doctrines, contradicting prior infallible teachings.

• The Vatican II Church preaches indifferentism (all religions are paths to salvation), which is heresy.

• The true Catholic Church cannot teach error, proving Vatican II is not the Catholic Church.

Final Key Takeaways

1. A long sede vacante period is possible and does not contradict Catholic doctrine.

2. The Church, in extreme cases, can elect a pope without cardinals.

3. Vatican II popes are public heretics and therefore cannot be true popes.

4. The SSPX’s stance of recognizing but resisting the pope is illogical and contradicts Catholic theology.

5. Vatican II is a false church that must be rejected entirely.

This video shows that Vatican II and its popes contradict Catholic tradition, and the only logical conclusion is to reject the post-Vatican II Church entirely.