Episode 1545: Five Cardinals send the 2nd Dubia to Pope Francis

In July 2023, five cardinals wrote a second dubia to Pope Francis, expressing their concerns about the Synod on Synodality and possible attacks on Catholic doctrine. The cardinals were Walter Brandmüller, Raymond Leo Burke, Robert Sarah, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, and Juan Sandoval Íñiguez.
In their dubia, the cardinals asked the following questions:
1. Can doctrine change?
2. Can we bless same-sex couples?
3. Does this Synod have supreme authority?
4. Can women be ordained?
5. Does a penitent need to be contrite to be absolved?
The cardinals raised these questions because they were concerned that the Synod on Synodality could lead to changes in Catholic doctrine, such as the blessing of same-sex couples or the ordination of women. They were also concerned that the Synod could be used to undermine the authority of the pope and the bishops.

Pope Francis has not yet responded to the cardinals' second dubia. However, he has previously said that the Synod on Synodality is not about changing doctrine, but about finding new ways to communicate the Church's teachings to the world. He has also said that the Synod is not about creating a new form of government for the Church, but about strengthening the existing structure.

It remains to be seen how the Synod on Synodality will unfold. However, the cardinals' dubia have raised important questions about the future of the Catholic Church.

Here is an unofficial translation of the second dubia sent to Pope Francis by five cardinals in October 2023:
Dubia Regarding Certain Questions About the Synod on Synodality

Your Holiness,
On July 10, 2023, we sent you five dubia regarding certain questions about the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia. We received your response on July 11, 2023, but we were not satisfied with your answers. Therefore, we are now sending you five new dubia, which we hope will clarify the following questions:
Can doctrine change?
Can we bless same-sex couples?
Does this Synod have supreme authority?
Can women be ordained?
Does a penitent need to be contrite to be absolved?
We ask you to answer these questions clearly and concisely, so that the faithful may know what to believe and teach.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Cardinals Walter Brandmüller, Raymond Leo Burke, Robert Sarah, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, and Juan Sandoval Íñiguez

Response of Pope Francis
Dear Brothers,
I have received your letter of October 2, 2023, in which you submit five new dubia to me. I will respond to each one in turn:

Can doctrine change?
The Catholic Church teaches that divine revelation is complete and unchanging. However, the Church's understanding of doctrine can develop over time, as we come to see more clearly the meaning of Revelation. This development is guided by the Holy Spirit and by the Magisterium of the Church.

Can we bless same-sex couples?
The Church teaches that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. Therefore, the Church does not bless same-sex couples. However, the Church does offer pastoral care to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Does this Synod have supreme authority?
The Synod on Synodality is an advisory body to the pope. It does not have supreme authority.

Can women be ordained?
The Church teaches that only men can be ordained priests. This is a matter of divine law and cannot be changed.

Does a penitent need to be contrite to be absolved?
Yes, a penitent must be contrite to be absolved. Contrition is a sorrow for one's sins and a desire to amend one's ways.

I hope this response is helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,
Pope Francis
Unofficial translation