Retrospective: Lefebvre & John Paul II before the split

A reader notes the online account of the 1978 meeting between between Archbishop Lefebvre and Pope John Paul II in An Audience with John Paul II, from ch. 29 of Michael Davies' Apologia Pro Michael Lefebfre. As our reader notes, one must remember that it is Lefebvre who is narrating his recollection of the interview: obviously, therefore, it cannot be taken as an impartial account. Lefebvre clearly views himself as an aggrieved party. Yet there is little in the way of anger or bitterness evident in the account, although perhaps there is a wryness in certain of his comments. He also views the issues as of paramount importance, which, in his account at least, does not seem to be the case with the pope or the cardinal. Another question that arises concerns the question of evenhandedness in judging the matter. From Wojtyla's willingness to delegate the matter to a cardinal who clearly possesses an animus against Lefebvre, one might be excused for wondering whether he is not, however warm his embraces, clearly disengaged, clearly uninterested, clearly intent on disposing of this bit of business left by his predecessor. It is perhaps worth speculating, our reader suggests, that the pope is blinded to the urgency of Lefebvre's case by his experience in Poland. Communist oppression there perhaps led to a degree of religious fervor and solidarity that allowed questions of doctrinal purity and liturgical validity, however urgent, to be papered over. For what it may be worth, the link is there for your reference.

Of related interest

• Fellay: "I am sure of a 'happy ending'" (Rorate Caeli)