With ‘Querida Amazonia,’ It’s ‘Deja Amoris’ All Over Again

National Catholic Register, 14 February 2020

Progressives the world over were bitterly disappointed by the seeming sense of betrayal by Pope Francis. At the same time, though, the Holy Father did not reject the proposal.

It’s déjà Amoris all over again.

After a confusing day at the Vatican and in the Catholic media, it is becoming clear how the question of priestly ordination for married deacons will be resolved. That might be the only thing that was clear yesterday.

Querida Amazonia will follow the Amoris Laetitia model, to be resolved by unexpected maneuvers in local Churches, with Rome smiling upon them from a distance.

Edward Pentin’s report gives the details of the uncertainty and contradictions offered at the Vatican news conference to present Querida Amazonia, the apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis after the 2019 Amazon synod.

One thing — lamented by the secular press the world over — is abundantly clear: The Holy Father did not approve the synod’s recommendation that priestly ordination be conferred upon married deacons of “proven” maturity and ministry. That was widely expected but did not happen. From CNN to the German ecclesial bureaucracy, the disappointment was accompanied by a sense of betrayal. The progressive pope of their imaginings did not deliver. It is a bitter moment.

At the same time, though, the Holy Father did not reject the proposal. Amazingly enough, he did not address it. Querida Amazonia does not speak about priestly celibacy, or married priests, or women deacons, or any of it. So if he did not say a clear “Yes” or a clear “No,” what will happen now?

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