Summary

Rev. Michael DeSaye presents a compelling argument for sedevacantism, systematically dismantling the position of those who consider themselves traditional Catholics yet remain connected to the post-Vatican II hierarchy.

He begins by describing the radical changes in Catholic liturgy following Vatican II, highlighting how many Catholics were initially shocked by the sudden shift from the traditional Latin Mass to the Novus Ordo Mass. This upheaval led to the formation of what is now called the traditionalist movement, centered primarily around preserving the old Mass. However, DeSaye argues that simply adhering to the Latin Mass is insufficient to resolve the deeper doctrinal crisis caused by Vatican II.

Rev. DeSaye then outlines the three main groups of Catholics who identify as traditional yet still recognize Francis (Bergoglio) as Pope:

1. The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX)

   • Founded in 1970, it operates independently from the Vatican, believing it must uphold tradition outside of the Church’s official structures.

   • SSPX clergy generally avoid working with priests who are directly connected to the Vatican.

2. The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) & Ecclesia Dei groups

   • Founded in 1988, these groups seek to maintain the traditional Latin Mass within Vatican jurisdiction.

   • Unlike SSPX, they submit to Vatican-appointed bishops, accepting their authority.

3. Diocesan Priests Inspired by Summorum Pontificum

   • These priests emerged after Benedict XVI’s 2007 decree, which supposedly allowed for greater freedom in celebrating the Latin Mass.

   • However, their position remains precarious—bishops ultimately regulate the liturgy in their dioceses, and many obstruct the spread of the traditional Mass.

DeSaye critiques these groups, stating that they fail to diagnose the real problem: Vatican II itself is the source of the crisis, not just Pope Francis.

While many traditionalists recognize Francis as a heretic, some diocesan priests hold a Benevacantist (Bene-Papist) view, believing that Benedict XVI was the last true Pope. However, DeSaye argues that this misses the bigger issue—Benedict, like his predecessors, was a product of the Vatican II revolution.

He asserts that Vatican II was a total departure from Catholicism, replacing it with a new religion, and that all Vatican II Popes—including John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis—were never legitimate Popes.

The talk concludes with a firm defense of sedevacantism as the only logically and theologically consistent position, stating that rejecting Vatican II and its Popes is not just an opinion but a matter of faith necessary for salvation.

Key Quotes

1. "One Sunday the priest was facing the Altar and praying quietly in Latin... the next Sunday the priest was facing the people and speaking casually into a microphone."

   • Highlights the dramatic and sudden rupture in Catholic liturgy post-Vatican II.

2. "The so-called traditional movement began with the desire for the traditional Latin Mass."

   • Emphasizes that many traditionalists initially sought only to preserve the liturgy, without questioning Vatican II as a whole.

3. "They also have good reasons to doubt whether John XXIII, Paul VI, and JP2 really are canonized saints."

   • Undermines the credibility of Vatican II canonizations, suggesting they were part of a fabricated religious system.

4. "Bergoglio is the sort of person that the Novus Ordo religion produces and will always produce."

   • Argues that Francis is not an anomaly but the logical outcome of Vatican II theology.

5. "The Catholic Church's hierarchy cannot propose a substantially new religion to the faithful without defecting from the religion given by Christ."

   • A foundational sedevacantist argument: Vatican II introduced a new religion, proving that post-Vatican II Popes defected from the true faith.

6. "Sedevacantism is not a dangerous fringe ideology... it is the only truly Catholic assessment of the present crisis in the Church."

   • Asserts that sedevacantism is not an extreme position but the only theologically valid response.

7. "If I admit that the Vatican II alleged Popes are true popes, then it follows that I must deny my faith in the infallibility and indefectibility of the Catholic Church."

   • Declares that accepting Vatican II Popes means denying core Catholic dogmas of infallibility and indefectibility.

Analysis

Rev. Michael DeSaye’s argument aligns with traditional sedevacantist thought, making the following key points:

1. The Liturgy is Only a Symptom, Not the Core Problem

• Many traditionalists focus only on preserving the Latin Mass, but Vatican II itself was the real problem—not just the Novus Ordo liturgy.

• The new theology, not just the new Mass, corrupted the faith.

2. Partial Resistance Leads to Contradiction

• Groups like SSPX and FSSP attempt to balance tradition with Vatican obedience, but this is incoherent.

• Some Summorum Pontificum priests recognize Francis as a heretic but fail to see the problem with Vatican II itself.

3. Sedevacantism is the Only Logical Conclusion

• The video asserts that Vatican II Popes could not have been true Popes because they led the Church into heresy, which is impossible for a true Pope.

• By claiming that Vatican II Popes defected from the faith, DeSaye aligns with pre-Vatican II Catholic doctrine that the Church cannot lead souls into error.

4. The Vatican II Church is a False Church

• The entire Vatican II system is heretical. Removing Francis alone will not fix the problem.

• The Novus Ordo Church is not the Catholic Church—it is a new, fabricated religion.

5. The Crisis is Not Just About Francis

• Some think that getting rid of Francis will restore Catholicism, but the real issue is Vatican II itself.

• The entire Vatican II system must be rejected.

Key Takeaways

1. Traditionalists Must Go Beyond the Latin Mass

   • Merely attending the Latin Mass is not enough—one must reject Vatican II completely.

2. Half-Measures Lead to Error

   • Groups like SSPX and FSSP try to reconcile tradition with Vatican II, which is impossible.

   • Even "Benevacantists" fail because Benedict XVI also upheld Vatican II theology.

3. Sedevacantism is Not an Extremist Position—It is a Necessity

   • If Vatican II Popes are true Popes, then the Church must have defected, which is impossible.

   • Therefore, sedevacantism is the only true Catholic position.

4. The Crisis is Far Deeper than Just Pope Francis

   • The problem is not just Francis but the entire Vatican II religion.

   • Any solution must reject the Vatican II Church in its entirety.

5. Rejecting Vatican II is a Matter of Faith, Not Opinion

   • It is not just a personal stance—it is a requirement of Catholic faith.

   • To accept Vatican II is to deny Christ’s promises about the Church.

Final Conclusion

Rev. Michael DeSaye presents a forceful defense of sedevacantism, arguing that all Vatican II Popes are invalid and that the only way to remain Catholic is to reject the Vatican II Church entirely.