Casti Connubii, p. 70
This post originally appeared on Instagram on January 11, 2021.
Many of you have asked me to speak on the topic of Pope Francis’ statements last week regarding the Covid vaccine.
I will not do so directly. Here was what I will say.
-It is the obligation of every Catholic to pray for the pope. Our family does so daily. If you don’t already, please begin now.
-Any comments/messages that disparage the Vicar of Christ will be deleted. I invite you to pray and sacrifice instead.
-The Church has, in the treasure of Her Tradition and interpretation of Holy Scriptures, everything that we must know and do for our own salvation. Trust in Her eternal wisdom, and do not abandon Her.
-Catholics are obliged to follow the revealed doctrines and dogmas of the Church. Op-ed statements made in secular newspapers do not fall under this category. The Note written by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith a couple weeks back does hold a somewhat greater gravity, however it fails to meet the requirements for infallibility. Please consult Vatican I documents (to understand infallibility) and a wise and holy spiritual director for guidance for your family.
-Please read Casti Connubii, an encyclical written by Pope Pius XI in 1930. The entire text is available on the Vatican website, and it is a beautiful and convicting read, especially for married or engaged couples.
Although the majority of the encyclical does not discuss many of the topics on this page (aside from abortion) there is a relevant paragraph on the (lack of) rights of public authorities over the bodies of their subjects. (Many thanks to @leilamarielawler who shared the paragraph below that sent me hunting.)
Casti Connubii, paragraph 70:
“Public magistrates have no direct power over the bodies of their subjects; therefore, where no crime has taken place and there is no cause present for grave punishment, they can never directly harm, or tamper with the integrity of the body, either for the reasons of eugenics or for any other reason.” (Go to the Vatican website to read the entire paragraph.)
Pray, fast, sacrifice, and have hope in God’s divine providence.
