Why Opinionism is Untenable - Fr. Germán Fliess 07-04-16

Summary

Fr. Germán Fliess delivered this homily on the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul addresses a critical theological error termed “opinionism,” particularly concerning the legitimacy of the Vatican II claimants to the papacy. Opinionism is described as the erroneous belief that the question of whether post-Vatican II popes, such as Francis, are true popes is merely a matter of opinion rather than an absolute truth. Fr. Fliess clarifies what constitutes an opinion, especially a theological opinion, emphasizing that opinions are held with some doubt and without full certitude. The central argument rejects the notion that the papal status of Vatican II claimants can be uncertain, asserting instead that it is a matter of dogmatic certainty that these individuals are false popes.

Fr. Fliess unfolds a logical syllogism grounded in fundamental Catholic doctrines: the Church is both indefectible (it cannot fail or defect from its essential nature) and infallible (it cannot err in teachings on faith and morals). Since the Church must endure until the end of time without undergoing essential changes, and Christ established it as a monarchy with Peter—and his successors—as the visible head, it is impossible for the Church to have erred or defected in the papacy. Any acceptance of Vatican II popes as true popes would necessitate accepting that the Church has promulgated heresy, allowed doctrinal error, and approved harmful disciplinary laws, such as the Novus Ordo liturgy and the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which contradict traditional Catholic teaching.

Thus, the Vatican II popes are declared heretics and false popes, devoid of legitimate authority. Fr. Fliess insists that to consider the non-papacy of these claimants as a mere opinion is to entertain the blasphemous possibility that Christ lied or was deceived in His promises to Peter and the Church. Ultimately, the Vatican II religion is labeled false, and its adherents called to steadfastly oppose it while praying for strength to remain faithful to the true Church founded by Christ.

Highlights

• The error of opinionism wrongly treats the legitimacy of Vatican II popes as uncertain or merely a matter of opinion.
• An opinion is a belief held with some doubt, unlike dogmatic truths which are held with absolute certainty.
• The Catholic Church is both indefectible (cannot fail) and infallible (cannot err in faith and morals).
• Acceptance of Vatican II popes as true popes implies the Church has defected and propagated heresy, which is impossible.
• The Vatican II liturgy and the 1983 Code of Canon Law are condemned as heretical and harmful disciplinary laws.
• To doubt the non-papacy of Francis and his predecessors is to question Christ’s promises to the Church.
• The Vatican II religion is a false religion, and its popes are heretics deprived of all authority.

Key Insights

• Opinionism versus Dogmatic Certitude: Fr. Fliess clearly distinguishes between theological opinions and dogmatic truths. Opinions imply uncertainty and the possibility of error, whereas dogmatic truths—such as the indefectibility and infallibility of the Church—allow no room for doubt. This distinction is crucial because it frames the legitimacy of the papacy not as a subjective matter but as a truth of faith that must be adhered to absolutely.
• Indefectibility as a Foundation for Papal Legitimacy: The argument hinges on the doctrine that the Church, founded by Christ, cannot defect or fundamentally change in its essential nature. Since the papacy is central to the Church’s structure, any claim that a pope could be false undermines the indefectibility of the Church itself. This insight underscores how ecclesiology and papal authority are intertwined in Catholic dogma.
• Infallibility Extending Beyond Ex Cathedra Pronouncements: Contrary to some traditionalist views, Fr. Fliess emphasizes that infallibility applies not only to solemn, extraordinary definitions but also to the Church’s universal ordinary magisterium and general discipline. This broad application of infallibility means that official teachings and disciplinary laws cannot contradict faith or morals, reinforcing the impossibility of Vatican II reforms being legitimate.
• Theological Consequences of Accepting Vatican II Popes: Accepting Vatican II popes as legitimate entails accepting heresy and error within the Church’s official teachings, such as ecumenism, liturgical changes, and the reception of Communion by non-Catholics. This insight highlights the perceived doctrinal rupture Vatican II represents and the seriousness of its rejection by traditionalists.
• The Logical Syllogism Against the Vatican II Papacy: Fr. Fliess’ reasoning is structured as a formal syllogi