“Many a Truth is said in Jest”

This day, April 1, 2024, two reports were published concerning major new decrees of Pope Francis. These appeared in websites that are diametrically opposed in Church politics. Le Forum Catholique is perhaps the most prominent traditionalist internet site in France. Katholisch.de is the official online presence of the German Catholic Church. 

Le Forum Catholique informed us that Pope Francis has stated he is ready to utilize the Mass of 1965, and that this form should become a sign of Pascal reconciliation. He has appointed Cardinal Roche to lead this effort. 1)

Katholisch.de reported a historic new motu proprio of Francis (“Insignia et Mirabilia”) abolishing all ecclesiastical heraldry. Henceforward only simplified symbols would be permitted. Francis led by example, choosing as his new coat of arms a mate teacup and a cross. 2)

April Fools! These posts did indeed have some people fooled – especially the semi-official German one.

But what do both posts say about Francis? What makes them so believable? What is the common impression of the current papal regime shared by both left and right? That Francis is totally arbitrary and unpredictable. That he decides everything alone, at the most only involving chosen advisors – really, sycophants – entirely apart from any consultative bodies – the college of Cardinals, the relevant dicasteries and even the highly touted Synodal path. That he freely intervenes in liturgical questions and detests inherited traditional forms: the soutane, lace surplices, etc. Indeed, the German article goes further and reads like a miniature satire on the liturgical ideas of the Vatican II and the Novus Ordo. Is there a sly dissident lurking in the very stronghold of Catholic progressivism? Do we even have, in this shared apprehension of reality, a basis for a potential reconciliation of the opposing forces in the Church today?

1. Le pape se dit prêt à utiliser le Missel de 1965 (posted by « Athanase »)Le Forum Catholique, 04/01/2024.
2.  Zu viel Klerikalismus: Papst Franziskus schafft Bischofswappen ab, Katholisch.de, 04/01/2024.