The damage from the ill-considered Fiducia Supplicans continues to grow. I discussed this a bit in January, but the controversy shows no sign of going away.
Last week the Coptic Orthodox Church announced it was freezing talks of entering into communion with Rome as a result of the document. Released in December and modified in January, Fiducia Supplicans authorizes priests to bless "irregular" – that is to say, openly sinful – couples. One cannot bless sin, and telling sinners their sin is okay is itself a sin.
I believe at least 20 bishops' conferences and the entire continent of Africa have condemned the document, and now the Copts have done the same.
This is a crippling blow to Pope Francis' legacy. To this point, reconciliation withe Coptic Church was one of the few brights spots remaining in his pontificate. I feel great pity for him, because the mounting scandals – covering up and defending abusers, threatened schisms in Germany, confusion within the Universal Church – must be a terrible burden on him.
For a man who preaches humility, he seems possessed by the need to have his way in everything.
The weird thing is that it's not actually his letter, it comes from Cardinal Fernandez, so for him to order it withdrawn would show maturity and wisdom. Yet instead of adding 10 million Copts to the Church and bringing more of God's children together, he is driving them apart.
I will continue to pray that he – and those like him – give up their pride and cease with their attempts to change fundamental aspects of the Church's teaching.
Chateau Lloyd 
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