Benedict XVI: A Resounding Slap in Francis’ Face
Melina’s predecessors, Carlo Caffarra and Angelo Scola became both cardinals, while Melina was dishonourably discharged by Francis first as the president than as a professor, because during the Synode of the Family his Institute had defended Catholic positions not in line with Francis' predetermined anti-Catholic conclusions of Amoris Laetitia.
Benedict XVI calls Melina “undoubtedly one of the greats in moral theology of this century” whose “human theological scientific merits are beyond question.”
He notices that Melina defended a Catholic moral theology with “courage and competence” and thus was able to develop his own creativity. “Unfortunately, I am not in a position to write an article for the Festschrift myself. I will find a way to assure Don Livio of my friendship and admiration,” Benedict concludes.
For those who remember what happened at the time, these words are a resounding slap in Francis’ face. Before Melina became a professor at the Institute, he was Cardinal Ratzinger’s close collaborator at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Picture: Joseph Ratzinger, Livio Melina, #newsWixfsavffm
