Do We Defy the Authority of the Church if We Disobey the Pope's Demands?

I'll answer a question with a question, two questions in fact. Was it wrong for Catholics to disobey the pope when he said everyone should get the COVID jab? Were Catholics who refused to obey the pope challenging the authority of Holy Mother Church?

Simple answer to both questions: NO! NO! HELL NO!

One of my readers commenting the other day, seems to think we owe obedience to the pope about everything he says. Here's the relevant part of his comment:

Regardless of what one thinks about Bugnini, the mass and sacraments have the approval of Pope St. Paul VI. The problems we have with the so called traditional movement are rooted in disobedience to the authority of the Church. 1 Sam 15:22 states: " ..to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams."

That statement seems to me to be nonsense. I attend the SSPX chapel every Sunday. The order endorses everything the Church teaches when it conforms to the unchanging doctine and sacred tradition of the Church. What they reject are novelties that cast into confusion these same doctrines. The Novus Ordo dilutes the sacrificial nature of the Mass. Instead it emphasizes the meal aspect to the degree that the Offertory Prayer has been turned into a Jewish meal blessing. Diluting the Sacrifice of the Cross as atonement for sin and turning it into the equivalent of "Bless us, O Lord,...." was not an insignificant change.

Let me be clear. I do not question the validity of the Novus Ordo or the new sacramental rites. It does not follow, however, that, out of obedience, I am required to throw the previous rites onto the trash heap of history. Neither am I required to accept a new interpretation of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist , one that allows those living in fornicating or adulterous unions to approach for Communion. And yet that's what the pope told the Argentinian bishops when they asked for clarification about their guidelines based on Amoris Laetitia. That is Holy Father hogwash!

So what does the Church teach about obedience? There are numerous catechisms written throughout the history of the Church that address that question. Some are worth their weight in gold. Some, like the Dutch Catechism written by heretics after Vatican II (1966 publication), are only fit for the latrine! 

St. Peter Canisius wrote this in his Large Catechism published in 1555

We do owe faith and obedience unto those only who, being lawfully ordained and sent by bishops, do profess the sound doctrine of the Church. But of others we must carefully beware, as of enemies and pestiferous persons.5

The Catechism of the Council of Trent is another reliable source. This is particularly interesting in view of the position of the sedevacantists that Francis is not really pope:

While it may seem strange, we are not excused from highly honoring [wicked pastors] even when they show themselves hostile and implacable toward us.… However, should their commands be wicked or unjust, they should not be obeyed, since in such a case they rule not according to their rightful authority, but according to injustice and perversity.6

[See more at Crisis Magazine and Tradivox]

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) seems to be silent on this issue of obedience to the pope. In fact, the word "infallibility" doesn't appear in the index. Most of the entries on authority (the fourth commandment) have to do with parental and civic authority. The omission of these issues does not increase my confidence in a book that is being altered regularly to reinterpret doctrine on capitol punishment, homosexuality, etc.  While it remains on my bookshelf, heavily highlighted with margin notes (I took a course from a previous pastor), it's not a catechism I rely on. Like the Dutch Catechism which its co-author Edward Schillebeeckx, O.P. summarized with, "There is no salvation outside the world," The CCC seems to be influenced by the world and its wokish principles, although certainly not to the same degree. 

Since I started with questions, I'll end with one. 

Can we disobey the pope? Of course and many saints, cardinals, theologians, etc. have laid down the conditions that apply including St. Thomas Aquinas, Cajetan, St. Robert Bellarmine, etc. 

Catholics need to know the faith. Tools for that are readily available in excellent catechisms. One of the best for today's Catholic is CREDO since it addresses some of the very crises we face. As Catholics, it's a work to which we are called. Pray first and then work. Ora et Labora. 

And don't forget to pray for the pope, the bishops, and your priests. As Fr. James Buckley used to tell us on retreat, they have "commando demons" tempting them. 

Lord Jesus, Head of the Universal Church, have mercy on us.

Our Lady, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us.

St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, pray for us.