In a surprising move, Pope Francis has decided to evict Cardinal Raymond Burke, a prominent critic, from his Vatican apartment and revoke his salary. The decision comes as a response to Cardinal Burke’s consistent opposition to the Pope’s reform plans for the Catholic Church. Though the action is not intended as a personal punishment, it reflects the belief that individuals should not enjoy cardinal privileges while openly criticizing the head of the church. This move marks a significant departure from the practices of the Francis era, as retired cardinals typically continue to reside in Rome and remain active in papal liturgies and ceremonial duties. The decision has the potential to ignite backlash and deepen divisions between the Vatican and the US church, exacerbating an already fragmented relationship.
Cardinal Burke, who has yet to respond to the news, has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis for nearly a decade, expressing dissatisfaction with the Pope’s stance on social and liturgical issues. The Pope’s frustration with US detractors who hold more traditional or conservative views on topics such as abortion, transgender rights, and same-sex marriage is becoming increasingly apparent. This recent action against Cardinal Burke follows the firing of conservative Texas bishop Joseph Strickland, who had openly voiced opposition to the Pope’s attempts to steer the church towards a more progressive direction.
Tensions between Cardinal Burke and Pope Francis have been simmering for some time, with the cardinal openly criticizing the Pope’s leadership and fostering a cult of personality centered around traditionalism and regressive ideals. This eviction and salary revocation appears to be an attempt to limit Cardinal Burke’s influence by severing his ties to Rome. Cardinal Burke’s recent conference in Rome and participation in publishing a “declaration of truths” in 2019 further contributed to the divide between him and the Pope.
The disagreement between Cardinal Burke and Pope Francis extends beyond social and liturgical matters. They have clashed over various issues within church politics, including the firing of the head of the Knights of Malta and differing opinions on the promotion of Covid vaccines. The Pope has previously demoted Cardinal Burke within the church hierarchy, reducing his influence over the years.
Critics of Pope Francis, such as columnist Michael Matt, argue that these actions reflect the Pope’s tendency to silence and isolate faithful prelates who support pro-life, pro-family, and traditional values. They accuse the Pope of employing “forced isolation” as a means to cancel out those who challenge his leadership.
The decision to evict Cardinal Burke and revoke his salary is likely to have significant implications for the relationship between the Vatican and the US church. It may deepen existing divisions and further fuel the fragmentation within the US church. While the Pope’s actions are rooted in a belief that criticism of the head of the church should not be accompanied by cardinal privileges, the move itself is unprecedented in the Francis era and could lead to a substantial backlash from those who support Cardinal Burke’s views.
Overall, Pope Francis’s decision regarding Cardinal Raymond Burke signals his willingness to take firm action against vocal critics within the church. It reflects the Pope’s frustration with traditionalist opposition and his determination to implement necessary reforms. However, the consequences of this decision remain uncertain, and it is yet to be seen how the Vatican and the US church will navigate this new chapter in their relationship.
