Can the Pope be Wrong? Special Guest Dr. Michael Sirilla

Is Pope Francis the real Pope? How do we know? It seems there’s a growing number of Catholics online questioning the papacy, and we’re here to set the record straight. I brought on my dear friend, Dr. Michael Sirilla, a theology professor at my alma mater, Franciscan University of Steubenville, to not only answer the internet’s hottest questions about the Pope, but to clarify what modern Catholics may not know about the office.
There are a lot of Catholics confused and hurt right now about current events in the Church, and we’re here to talk about it with love and truth. I can’t wait for you to dive in!
And as always, don’t forget to like and share this video with a friend and subscribe to our KZbin channel so that you never miss an episode of the Chris Stefanick Show!
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[@TheDjcarter1966]

Dr Sirilla was my favorite professor while getting my Masters at Franciscan...I really have been following everything closely and have started doing this worrying they talk about. So for the next year I have vowed to cut way back on KZbin and instead pray the Liturgy of the Hours and the Rosary. I think this is really the only response that makes sense pray and fast.

[@RealLifeCatholic]

I recommend cutting it out entirely!….except my show ;) Also - amen - Mikey is one of the clearest and best teachers I’ve ever met.

[@bethdulin5382]

I agree, she said as she eats peanuts, has a class of wine, and looks for anything new from Ripperger!!! Hahahah --seriously tho, I do fast on Mondays and do 2 hours of prayers every morning. I do love the youtubes tho, so many good ones and easier for me to listen then read in the evenings when my old eyes are tired! Happy Advent~

[@JoolsWoodward]

😉🙏🕊

[@debbiherold4932]

I don't see your humor in this statement. @@RealLifeCatholic

[@msirilla]

I made a mistake at 24:32 when I said that infallible teachings are "per se non irreformable." This is false. I meant to say that infallible teachings are "per se irreformable." Sorry about that!

[@dorispolidano2993]

Chris, this video came at the right time for me. All day I felt despondant, asking God to help me clarify what is going on with our Pope and the Church. The Holy Spirit got right onto it! This talk came onto my feed. It has answered my questions, I feel better now. Thank you both so very much for being the instruments of the Holy Spirit. Bless God!!🙏🌷

[@janeyount8412]

Pray for the Pope every day if you don't already do so. This has helped me restore my sanity and peace of mind!🙏🌹

[@Maskedlapis64]

Yes, please more Dr. Sirilla

[@matthewmotyka475]

Such a great episode... and gives a lot of clarity to the papacy that is very needed!

[@user-mj5nm8kl9f]

Love this, thank you, much appreciated 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 I'm from South Africa 🇿🇦 love anything, church. ❤

[@theresiliencedoctor001]

This interview is needed and I will share it with others!

[@TedSeeber]

I wish we still had Holy Roman Emperors. The last one, Karl Hapsburg, was deposed by the allies in WWI. It is not good not to have any way to correct the Pope.

[@kevintebay4212]

great conversation! i loved it but i feel compelled to comment. I am convinced the main reason people are concerned/speak up about any pope is truly love. not any selfish reason but Love of truth, love of the church, and love of souls! charity towards His soul and all the souls that he will influence

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

I respect you as a person and your desire to comment, the freedom we're holding onto via thread, to comment. I disagree strongly that the silence is your reasons. People couldn't even NOT get the covaids shots, NOT wear the dangerous masks, NOT speak up and out about the gay sex rings in the seminaries that transferred to our altars, NOT speak up about the huge problem of porn that has corroded ever fabric of our society, manhood and all vocations. In my estimation as an experienced nurse, counselor, philosophy and working from true love, to help women and couples away from contraception, IVF, premarital sex..to lovingly invite people to post- abortion help and healing, helping people from the kind of love you're talking about above. Silence is not love of the church. Love of church means you can't contain the truth and, living Ephesians 5:11. It is also a "sensitive" topic for who those struggle with pride..it's PRIDE...as it blurs with politics as this pope is aligned stringently with socialist ideology - fact, strong fact, and not "misunderstandings." It is psychological as well, as most Catholics (I am a hard core Catholic, so not a troll - just a realist) live in delusions and denial, hiding behind Jesus vs following Him. They fear (fear fear fear -- that's what it is, and it's selfish, as fear is - and yes, I know what I'm talking about here as some one who saved many lives with my own concerns and health issues, to help others and with out a wince of the eye or second thought. Love DOES It. It just goes there.). Fear hard things! Fear reality. Fear having their nice comfy controlled life where things are easy and they didn't want to address family issues, personal issues,etc. Sadly, many prefer denial and that is why they stay silent. It is more selfish, if we are going to be honest.

[@debbiherold4932]

And this includes Sinead O'Connor and all who have spoken up against abuses that were and continue to be hidden and/or not turned over to the legal system.

[@Kitiwake]

​@@debbiherold4932Sinead the Muslim? That Sinead?

[@ramonamarianesbitt8682]

Wonderful pod cast..!

[@jesusmontano4792]

Good explanation of what's happening today

[@valiantwoman1]

Distraction dilutes our union with God. Lord strengthen our hearts to know, love and serve You all our lives. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen ♥️ 🙏

[@katywarner5823]

Its so great seeing you two together. It IS like the old days! So many wonderful memories from FUS!

[@RealLifeCatholic]

Katy! Thx Momma Mary! :) #PassionPlay1995!

[@MattSchirripaCCA]

Thanks for your books Katy. We love them

[@katywarner5823]

What a blessing!@@RealLifeCatholic

[@katywarner5823]

@@MattSchirripaCCA There are two of us in the Catholic World-- I'm the not-famous Katy Warner :). Although my husband, Christopher, has written two Catholic books you might also like!

[@MattSchirripaCCA]

Well that’s embarrassing. Sorry about that! I’ll look into his books though!

[@dcnzsolt]

There is a healthy balance between taking on all responsibility for sorting out the truth with only the Bible in our hand and pushing all that responsibility to the Magisterium expecting no struggle on our own. We call the one who has the courage to be balanced between these extremes a Catholic.

[@RealLifeCatholic]

AMEN

[@davidvalicevic6814]

...a worthy listen to better understand the "big picture" Pope-related concerns, although many specifics of the current Pontiff are not addressed...but this gives some footing on how this typically pans out, historically. Bottom line: Helps us stay in between the lines with much confusion and a spectrum that ranges between obsession and blind faith/obedience. A decent resource.

[@RealLifeCatholic]

That was the aim Thx brother

[@Rome_77]

Fair and balanced. No popesplaining and no popebashing. Difficult times but brighter days ahead. The Pope is the vicar and Jesus is the head.

[@debbiherold4932]

Discussion is good even when about sensitive topics. I am very concerned about the press and social media influences which are so far from keeping the eye focused on Jesus, the Holy Spirit and our Heavenly Father.

[@zeroisnine]

More Strickland and Burke devotees, thanks for letting me know

[@RealLifeCatholic]

Annnnnnd way to miss the entire point 😂

[@pigsshania]

Yes!

[@ndimukalavi8027]

Pope Francis is a generous man. He wants to love the sinner like Jesus did and so he tends to want to relax rules to include everyone. The problem is he gets into a trouble with those who want to follow the rules and what the church teaches. The scene is made murky by those he wants to include by cheering him on and sometimes misquoting him and stretching what he says. The true Catholic faith is being sifted and at the end it will be stronger. I pray for Pope Francis because of the immense responsibility. I pray for his advisors. We the faithful should pray for him and love Francis through his weaknesses and poor choices in his pronouncements. This was an enlightening discussion. Thank Chris

[@christineczyryca5820]

BUT the Pope cannot go against magisterium teachings. This causes serious confusion...scandal. that's MY concern.

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

Loving the sinner in this context = praising the narcissist sociopath for abusing or ignoring, canceling the empath. "Relaxing" "rules" says it all. They are not "rules," they are wise guideposts to help us through the narrow gate. "Loving the sinner" means NOT avoiding hard topics AND leading them to help such as the C.O.U.R.A.G.E group for gays. No, the problem is that his socialist upbringing and indoctrination, as well as the company he keeps, such as being BFFs with Obama. His canceling people who TRULY love? That ain't loving the sinner. That's enabling them right into hell which is a serious, serious thing.

[@anitaklara7428]

But Jesus said to all sinners that he encounted : go and sin NO MORE. Jesus loves every sinner but wants him convert and not to sin anymore.He didn’t say I love you and keep on living your sinful life. “The rules” are given to us through The Holy Catholic Church so we may know what right and what’s wrong, what is a mortal sin and what isn’t otherwise nobody would know and confusion would be everywhere. Surely we ( the Church) should be helping those who wants to change their bad / sinful lifestyle but not applause it.

[@sarahsunshine6817]

So yes, the pope can be wrong.

[@christineczyryca5820]

Oh yes

[@nancynoascono747]

I like what you said Chris that you don't receive any pope in Holy Communion.

[@susanbeard3931]

It's all well and good to say just ignore and go on getting closer to Jesus unless you're a catechist who's wondering what you'll be required to teach. Then the magisterial authority level of the document becomes gravely important.

[@moesan2u1]

LOL ...like peopled today have ink in their pen...most do not own a pen:) God Bless you Chris.

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

I sure do :) I'm anti-'smart' tech as it created (people let it) additions to screens which crashed and burned virtue over all and increased addictions to an exponential letters. I've got pens and ink, pencils and led :) And I love it:)

[@ljklug]

Will there be many corrections after the death of Francis?

[@joandmary0815]

If there is a Church left capable of making chances🤷‍♀️

[@Justaguy5678]

I really appreciated this video and its message. Obsessing over this and other issues is not healthy or necessary. This is Christ's Church. However, I think that the claims about Pope Honorius and Pope John XXII are a bit tenuous and debatable, and more so than Dr. Sirilla made clear. There is a very real debate on these Popes and others, and I do not think the evidence so clearly points toward Dr. Sirilla's position. Furthermore, I think that with the ongoing debate on these two Popes that it isn't prudent to offer them up as examples of Papal error in the context of this discussion as it can cause potentially unwarranted confusion. I am not an expert myself on these issues, but I just think we need to be careful in this age of disinformation and confusion that we do not lend definitive credence to matters of speculation, lest it be used for dissent, schism, or cause alienation. Besides that small point, again I think this was a great video. Thank you! God bless you guys and thank you for this video.

[@josephrainonejr.4381]

Thank you Chris and Dr. Sirilla. I think Pope Francis is doing a wonderful job in leading our church. He is practicing his true Jesuit beliefs, in welcoming all people in, just as Jesus our Savior did. God bless him.🙏

[@valiantwoman1]

Pope Francis does not like to hear correction from the Holy Spirit via Spirit-filled Cardinals, Bishops, and Ppriests.

[@mjl-oc2ce]

I am weary of hearing about obedience. Obeying ERROR is absurd. Silence is complicity. This nonsense must end with this Pope.

[@tonyoostendorp2387]

Yes because he is human and can be influenced by good and evil

[@readyplayer1900]

You're not obligated to follow or defend error, no matter who says it or teaches it. Pray for the holy father, but above that, pray for Christ's church and that her teachings and truth will be accurately disseminated, known, taught, and accepted. The ark, not the captain at the helm, is to be preserved at all costs.

[@Kitiwake]

Depends on who decides it.

[@R.C.425]

The Pope is a man capable of great sin, just like the rest of us... I love him and pray 🙏 for him daily BUT I do NOT trust him!

[@thedon978]

If the pope is Jorge Bergoglio, then, YES, he can be wrong because he is wrong.

[@annaten1435]

Evil can stand behind a pulpit. We have all seen it. Recognized it. There is nothing Satan loves more. Vigilance and knowledge, along with courage is what we need. The teachings of Christ are written and unchangeable. The word of God is written. We have to follow that no matter what man stands as head apostle. He is not the church. Gods teachings are. Jesus brought us the word and Catholics follow that teaching. We live by it. If we do not we are heretics. Catholics in name but not in the way we live our lives. We can not pick and choose what we follow. It is the word of God. The pope and Vatican are not what binds us to the Catholic Faith. It doesn't belong to them. Jesus has asked us to follow Him and given us the path. That is our Catholic Faith. Not the Pope or any other man. Follow Jesus and the word of God.

[@caterinemasak2193]

What to we do about this Pope!

[@cesargarcia7074]

Fast and pray.

[@lilwaynesworld0]

I’m pretty sure God ask the same question about you and I. For one thing don’t judge the pope as you don’t have all the details and you are capable of bias and getting fake news.

[@michellemcdermott2026]

Pray and fast

[@dagodave8795]

Kick him off the island

[@lauriematherne6442]

Respect the Office of the Papacy, as did most all the saints. The Catholic faith is not a democracy. A big part of being a faithful catholic is being obedient. Pray...pray for Pope Francis and the hierarchy surrounding him. Pray for the holy priesthood. It's obvious satan is strongly attacking Holy Mother Church at this time. "...the gates of hell will not prevail." ~ Pray without ceasing. Prayer is the greatest weapon for these times. 🙏🎚🙏

[@joandmary0815]

He can be and is wrong. Bad men can hold the office of the Papacy.

[@marcusmagnificus1984]

The Pope can be wrong, as we all can be.

[@kathydethman7218]

Yes, many popes have been wrong, especially Jorge Bergorglio.

[@barbaralmumich8726]

He may be a pope, I’m thinking he is not a good good pope.🙏📿😇

[@juliefitzgerald4938]

The fear of Francis is so sad. People are afraid to question anything for fear of being uninvited to speak etc.

[@Xpistophoros]

When you pope speaks, don’t assume he’s talking with the complete context of what YOU know about the topic. If the pope says he wants love he means exactly what the church means regarding love. NOT whatever the party in question believes about love. If you feel me leave a ❤

[@metanoiafaith]

I would nominate Laudato Si and Laudate Deum as perfect candidates to be ignored, and for future "correction". Personal commentary on ecology (with challengable conclusions and compromised sources) geopolitics and economics which lacks any clear intent to direct us to the person of Jesus Christ as our eschatalogical hope. This was directed to all humanity. It was an opportunity lost to a woke agenda, that has scattered the flock even more.

[@AngelaSealana]

I would invite you to read Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum in their entirety and circle every pro-life, human dignity message within them. You'll probably be circling a lot. They are not about saving a spinning rock; they're about concern for humanity based on the facts of how God made ecosystems work.

[@timfinneran5047]

Pope Francis is such a big left winger… maybe a communist… that is very troubling… he doesn’t speak with clarity… also troubling

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

Thank you! Yes. It seems you and I are the only ones not born on a smart device, fearing speaking the truth feeling the false humility of meekness that isn't but want people to think of us..... ayyyy. Yes and yes again.

[@petrichor5294]

Pope Alexander VI had a mistress and children. So, yes.

[@johne.8939]

That’s immoral, not incorrect.

[@elieenm4391]

I do believe Pope Francis is totally wrong on his new issues of the laws on LGBTQ and other issues and diminishes the Conservatives Cardinal for not accepting his views that are not of the teachings of Jesus. Thank you for discussing the issue that is hurting the Catholic Church. We must pray th Rosary for the church.

[@christineczyryca5820]

Yes! And I'm concerned about all this stuff that's going on so I do pray for the church because of this

[@affischer890]

I found clarity in the Bible- God’s word. Now I understand, the pope is just a man. Jesus was God in the flesh. I’m done with religion, I’m following Jesus! I’m positive Holy Spirit, who raised Jesus from the dead, is able to do more than we can hope or imagine. According to God’s Holy Word, He is calling all believers to be sanctified- not religious.

[@RealLifeCatholic]

Brother - Jesus uses people. We follow him with one another, each playing his own role in the body of Christ. I agree - the pope is just a man. And since day 1 in the church, often a very flawed one. Listen to the interview

[@jackvogel9777]

Yes. He can also lose his soul. Lord Jesus, please save this wicked pontiff. Break his heart and grant that he finds mercy in You. I ask in the name of Your almighty son, Jesus Christ, amen.

[@EdwardGraveline]

Jesus said "love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you" He said Cardinal Burke was an enemy which he wasn't. he kicked him out of his apartment and stopped his salary. he is in big trouble with God. Francis IS the Pope but a bad one I do pray for him daily

[@giselasilva2865]

Please pray for him instead of criticism don't fall in judgement for what your hear in latinoamerica we love Pope Francis because he stands besides the poor check the positive. For me Burke and Strickland sound angry and despondents clerics I pray for them as well you see we are Catholics means universal being closeminded is not the Church of Jesus Christ. PRAY for you too

[@CatholicMomJMJ]

How do Cardinal Burke and Bishop Strickland sound angry?

[@MaryL424]

Cannot agree with you there. They are so so filled with joy. You might not like them calling out corruption. Americans can see this in everything and corruption HAS TO BE called out.

[@timfinneran5047]

The Pope can be wrong. There have been bad Popes in the past. Pope Francis is pushing into a lot of highly questionable areas in that they deviate from the Bible and Church Tradition and teaching. So, it’s worrying to say the least. We need to pray to Jesus and ask the Blessed Mother for her help and intercession. God bless you all

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

beyond pushed...... and indeed, we need St Joseph, St Michael the Archangel too.

[@sorin1029]

I am not a Catholic, and as a christian, i was intrested to see what cathloics believe about the pope. I see the only verse that catholics use to explain the pope's very existence is thru this one verse like in Mathew 16 and even these verses say nothing about the pope or that Peters seat or if he even had a seat that would pass on. There is extremely clear teachings that to be a apostle was the highest position, and we see that thru very clear versus along that Jesus picked 12 and not just one. I would like to also say that, i can see why God made the Bible available in every tongue, so in this life, we can pull people to repentance and to truth from religions that have derailed peoples faith from complete worship of Jesus Christ (are only Mediator before God the Father) to man made idols like Mary, Joseph and others Saints, purgatory and other such nonsence. If you leave this life with no repentance of unGodly and unBiblical teaching, then we will be your jury to testify against you of the false teachings that you kept that God warned about throughout scriputres. Please read the Bible and don't follow a church or "The Church" that has strayed and had let in teachings that are unGodly, With sincere love, a brother in Christ. Peace

[@RealLifeCatholic]

Thx for watching. That’s not at all the only verse Catholics use for the papacy. I suppose we could have taken a deeper dive into an apologetic on the papacy but that wasn’t the aim of this episode. It was more to explain the limits of the papacy to people who are on the exact other end of the spectrum as you

[@RealLifeCatholic]

If you’d like to see where we think the pope is in scripture read this. www.catholic.com/video/where-is-the-pope-in-the-bible

[@RealLifeCatholic]

Or better - this www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/defending-the-papacy

[@lauriematherne6442]

We are called to respect the Office of the Papacy as did most all the saints. The Catholic church is not a democracy. A big part of being a faithful catholic is being obedient. Pray...pray for Pope Francis and the hierarchy surrounding him. Pray for the holy priesthood. It's obvious satan is strongly attacking Holy Mother Church. "...the gates of hell will not prevail. "~ Pray without ceasing. Prayer is the greatest weapon for these times. 🙏🎚🙏

[@Jennifer-gr7hn]

Who is saying we aren't to pray and aren't? Facing hard things, bringing them to light, discussion and assisting others and ourselves in knowing what is going on - reality is important. Prayer is paramount. Actually, "prayer and fasting" cast out demons nothing else can, so, let's not downplay the necessity of discussion and opportunities to learn and teach. We respect humans, we don't respect evil acts. "Pray pray pray"....you know how many 'friends' who are "faithful" to our Church didn't do a thing for me, or any one else while they sat home fearing for themselves, and just "prayed." Not a dollar in a fundraiser, nothing. Meanwhile, secular people had more a heart and performed actions. Faith with out works is dead, so is prayer with out care. Let's allow this discussion. Not every one knows what you do. Let's not be lazy in "just praying."