Volume I: Pope BenedictÕs Resignation provides the touchstone for interpreting the most tumultuous and bewildering events in Church history: the ÒresignationÓ of Pope Benedict XVI and the subsequent ÒelectionÓ of Pope Francis. In this book, Mazza weaves historical and canonical insights to illuminate the explosive papal paradox-- the era of two popes:
Why did Pope Benedict ÒfleeÓ his post, leaving the flock to be fleeced by a ÒprogressiveÓ pontiff? Is it true that Benedict renounced only the ÒexerciseÓ of the Roman bishop, not the papacy itself? (Is that even metaphysically possible?) Can a pope Òbe evilÓ? Can a legitimate Vicar of Christ abuse his power Òagainst GodÓ in an attempt to ÒdemolishÓ ChristÕs Church? And have any (or all) of these things ever been foretold?
This book explores Joseph RatzingerÕs public statements over six decades to determine what exactly Ratzinger renounced and what is irrevocable (to his mind) regarding the Petrine Munus. It elucidates RatzingerÕs ecclesiology, his conciliar belief that jurisdiction and sacrament always interpenetrate. It looks at the potential consequences upon the validity of RatzingerÕs renunciation should his views on Òoffice as riteÓ and Òoffice as jurisdictionÓ prove illusory. It also reveals what readers of the Third Secret of Fatima have divulged concerning that mysterious prophecy and the popes.
Was Pope Benedict St. PaulÕs Katechon (2 Thess. 2) dislodged from Òthe centerÓ to hasten the arrival of the age of Antichrist? Is this why Benedict resigned? And what exactly is a ÒPope EmeritusÓ? Are these things foretold in the Third Secret of Fatima? Will the Church be ruled by an antipope in league with the forces of Antichrist? Has it already begun? And how on earth will the Church ever be able to extricate herself from such a ghastly predicament?
The startling answers to these compelling questions unfold in The Third Secret of Fatima and The Synodal Church: Volume I, Pope BenedictÕs Resignation.