Cardinal Burke on Vigano: To Ignore Him is Negligence

Michael Matt, editor of The Remnant, in praise of Cardinal Burke for standing up for the Church and defending Archbishop Viganò in the face of fierce opposition.

From The Remnant

Cardinal Burke has been quite vocal recently in defense of Archbishop Viganò.

LifeSiteNews reports: “The evils he had denounced are of the most serious nature,” said Cardinal Burke, and if true, then “he was obliged in conscience” to release the information as he did.

“The law of God in these matters is higher than, for example, the pontifical secret,” Burke said.

And in a recent interview with The Wanderer: “We ought to take very seriously all that he has said,” Cardinal Burke stated, as Vigano has said he has evidence to back his claims. “To do otherwise is to be negligent.”

REMNANT COMMENT: While there are some voices of discontent on the Internet sounding off against Cardinal Burke for not doing/saying enough, The Remnant is not numbered among them. While it is almost fashionable these days to take issue with any number of the bizarre utterances and actions of the most delusional pope in history, Cardinal Burke spoke up against Francis at a moment when precious few laymen (and no prelates at all) could muster the intestinal fortitude to say anything at all. He did so with measured restraint and palpable concern for the overall good of the Church.

Since then much has changed. For one thing, two of the four "dubia cardinals" are now dead, and the third is advanced in years. For Cardinal Burke to proceed on his own with the "formal correction" may well seem just Quixotic enough to play into Francis's hands. Solo swinging at windmills is always amusing but rarely poses a serious threat.

And so, the Cardinal continues to fight the good fight in another way...in this most recent case by offering public support for a man many consider Pontificate Enemy Number One. I suspect for a man in his position--with millions watching his every move--this takes more courage than most Monday morning curial quarterbacks can even imagine.

So, let’s slow down, pray and reflect where further impatience with and even criticism of Cardinal Burke is concerned.  He has not gone gently into the night. His opinions on these matters are known to all; his unanswered (by Francis) objections still stand; and his continued measured resistance is of primary concern to liberal prelates from here to Casa Santa Marta. Whether he sought out the distinction or not, he is the de facto leader of hierarchical resistance against Francis. 

Just for a moment, let us consider what the situation under Francis might be right now had Raymond Cardinal Burke never taken the historic action that he did. Can you hear the crickets? As it is, the man changed everything and, because he truly is humble, we may never know the full extent of the role he played in Archbishop Vigano’s decision to stand and resist Peter to his face. 

I pray for them both and thank God for His mercy—the mercy of not leaving us abandoned sheep without a single shepherd to watch over the Church. In Vigano and Burke (and others now following their lead) we can have confidence that we are not alone.

We call upon all of the princes of the Church who are not complicit in the sex abuse and cover-up scandal to do as Cardinal Burke has done and stand with Viganò.