There have been many reactions to the recent CDF document, Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church, most of which were as one expected. A few which have not been sufficiently discussed, like the response of Pope Shendouda III , are somewhat surprising and should be examined without any media bias reading into what was said. However, the presentation of the document by the media, and the selection of respondents the media presented us over the document were as one could expect – at least, when dealing with the content of the document.
One thing which has surprised me is that it has been constantly being addressed as a document or declaration created by Pope Benedict XVI. While he clearly approved its publication, this is not the same thing as saying it is something he said or wrote. I approve the writings of many saints, but I didn’t write them! Why, then, is it that many people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, respond to it and the issues it addresses in reference to Pope Benedict XVI? I think there are many ecclesiological errors involved here and these problems need to be sorted out; indeed, it seems that most people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, think that only what a Pope says has any significance or value.
But I am not sure. Is this really the reason as to why this document is being represented as being by the Pope? What do you think?
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