The Present Crisis in the Church, Part IV - Fr. Michael DeSaye 05-07-25

SummaryThis final homily in a series on the present crisis in the Catholic Church addresses the fundamental question of how to resolve the ongoing crisis of authority within the Church. The crisis is identified as a crisis of the papal office, stemming from the fact that the current occupant of the papacy is a “pseudo-pope,” whose papacy is invalid due to a simulated consent. This simulation is analogous to a simulated marriage where one party fakes consent, rendering the entire union null and void.Fr. Michael DeSaye explains that the present crisis of the papal vacancy is unprecedented and indefinite, as no timeline is prescribed for how long such a vacancy can last. He further argues that the crisis can be resolved through two main methods, paralleling the ways to fix a simulated marriage: either the false pope makes a sincere, genuine act of consent to become a real pope, or the Church formally withdraws his elected status, allowing for a new, valid election. This withdrawal of status is a legal act that only the College of Cardinals can perform since they hold the exclusive power to elect (and unelect) a pope.Fr. DeSaye emphasizes that although the cardinals are compromised by heresy and apostasy, they have not been legally judged as heretics and thus retain the legal power to elect a pope. The crisis is likened to a “Babylonian captivity,” where true Catholicism is preserved but in a diminished and handicapped state, separated from the normal functioning of the Church under a true Roman pontiff.The message concludes with a call for Catholics to withdraw their support from the current false papal regime, highlighting that the collapse of modernist structures and a return to asceticism and true faith could compel a return to orthodoxy. The sermon closes with a reminder of the biblical teaching that true religion keeps oneself “unspotted from this world,” encouraging a life of sacrifice and purity to overcome modernism and restore the Church.HighlightsThe current papacy is a “pseudo-papacy,” invalid due to simulated consent.The crisis of authority in the Church is unprecedented and has lasted over 60 years with no set end in sight.Resolution requires either genuine consent from the false pope or withdrawal of his elected status by the College of Cardinals.Only the cardinals have the legal power to elect or unelect a pope, as this is a human, not divine, power.Despite their apostasy, cardinals retain legal voting rights because they have not been formally judged heretics.The Church is currently in a state analogous to the Babylonian captivity, preserving faith in a restricted manner.The faithful are urged to reject modernist clergy and practices, embracing asceticism and purity to restore the Church.Key InsightsCrisis of Authority Rooted in Papal Legitimacy: The fundamental problem in the Church today is not merely doctrinal but juridical and sacramental, centering on the legitimacy of the papal office. The notion of a “pseudo-pope” who simulates consent undermines the very foundation of Church governance, revealing a crisis that is both spiritual and canonical in nature.Simulated Consent as a Canonical Defect: The analogy to simulated marriage is crucial because it highlights that consent, whether marital or papal, must be sincere and genuine for validity. This comparison provides a clear canonical framework for understanding why the current papacy is invalid and the implications for the faithful’s obedience and participation in Church life.Indefiniteness of the Papal Vacancy: The absence of a clear timeline for the resolution of the crisis reflects the unprecedented nature of the situation. This indeterminacy challenges Catholics to exercise prudence and patience while maintaining fidelity to true Church teaching and authority.Role of the College of Cardinals as Legal Electors: The College of Cardinals functions as the human juridical body responsible for electing a pope. This power is essential for the Church’s continuity and legitimacy. The sermon stresses that this power has never been revoked, thereby preserving a potential path to restoring legitimate papal authority, even amid widespread apostasy.Legal vs. Divine Powers in Church Governance: The distinction between divine powers (e.g., administering sacraments) and human powers (e.g., electing a pope) clarifies why the cardinals’ legal authority persists despite their doctrinal failings. This distinction is vital for understanding how Church governance operates in extraordinary circumstances and how legitimacy is maintained or lost.Implications of Apostasy Among Church Leaders: While many cardinals and clergy adhere to modernist errors and apostasy, they have not been legally condemned as heretics. This legal nuance means they still hold certain powers, which complicates the crisis but also opens a path for reform through juridical means rather than outright rejection.Call to Lay Faithful for Resistance and Renewal: Fr. DeSaye concludes with a strong exhortation to the laity to withdraw cooperation from modernist clergy and institutions—financially, spiritually, and socially—to induce a collapse of the false regime. This grassroots resistance, coupled with a return to asceticism and purity, is presented as essential for the Church’s restoration.This analysis presents a comprehensive theological, canonical, and pastoral framework for understanding the current crisis and the possible solutions, emphasizing both the gravity of the situation and the hope for restoration through lawful, doctrinally sound means.TrueCatholicFaith.com