Pope Pius XI vs. Ecumenism
In case you wondered just how bad the modern crisis is, compare and contrast these words from Pius XI with Vatican II on Ecumenism, which laid out the blueprint for indifferentism.
Pope Pius XI, Encyclial Mortalium Animos: “It is clear why this Apostolic See has never allowed its subjects to take part in the assemblies of non-Catholics: for the union of Christians can only be promoted by promoting the return to the one true Church of Christ of those who are separated from it... For since the mystical body of Christ, in the same manner as His physical body, is one, it is foolish and out of place to say that the mystical body is made up of members which are disunited and scattered abroad: whosoever therefore is not united with the body is no member of it, neither is he in communion with Christ its head.”
Going further in his comments on the growing movement of Ecumenism among liberal Protestants in that era, Pius XI wrote: “Such efforts can meet with no kind of approval among Catholics. They presuppose the erroneous view that all religions are more or less good and praiseworthy (this is the error of indifferentism), inasmuch as all give expression, under various forms, to that innate sense which leads men to God and to the obedient acknowledgment of His rule. Those who hold such a view are not only in error; they distort the true idea of religion, and thus reject it, falling gradually into naturalism and atheism. To favor this opinion, and to encourage such undertakings is tantamount to abandoning the religion revealed by God.”
Contrast with Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis Redintegratio: “Separated communities and churches as such have been by no means deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation… One cannot charge with the sin of separation those at present born into communities separated from full communion with the Catholic Church and, in them, brought up in the faith of Christ; and the Catholic Church accepts them with respect and affection as brothers. For, men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church.”
And contrast with the 1993 Directory on Ecumenism, authorized and enforced under John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger (Benedict XVI): “The search for Christian Unity was one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council... Prayer in common is recommended for Catholics and other Christians so that together they may put before God the needs and problems they share... In liturgical celebrations taking place in other Churches (Orthodox) and ecclesial Communities (Protestant), Catholics are encouraged to take part in the psalms, responses, hymns and common actions of the Church in which they are guests. If invited by their hosts, they may read a lesson or preach... In a Catholic liturgical celebration, ministers of other Churches (Orthodox) and ecclesial Communities (Protestant) may have the place and liturgical honors proper to their rank and their role... In certain circumstances, by way of exception, and under certain conditions, access to these sacraments (Eucharist and Confession) may be permitted, or even commended, for Christians of other Churches (Orthodox) and ecclesial Communities (Protestant).”
No Salvation Outside the Church no longer has a place in the direction of the Modern Church and the ideals of the Popes since Vatican II. We are not bound to the pastoral novelty of Ecumenism. There is no doctrine of Ecumenism with an attached anathema. However, we are bound to the Dogma of No Salvation Outside the Church, and we are bound to Our Lord's commission that we make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This is another example of where we are called to resist with piety. For the salvation of our souls, as well as the salvation of non believers.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph. We love you. Save souls. Amen.
