Cardinal McElroy worries on conservative

Cardinal Robert McElroy stated in an interview with Vida Nueva that the Eternal World Television Network (EWTN) worries him due to its opposition to the Pope. (Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters from Unsplash)

In an interview with Spanish magazine Vida Nueva published on Friday, March 24, Cardinal Robert McElroy stated that the Eternal World Television Network (EWTN) worries him.

Channel of Criticisms

According to a report by NCR Online, EWTN is a conservative Catholic media organization based in the United States.

The content produced by EWTN was recently prohibited by Bishop Fernando Prado of San Sebastián, Spain, who explained that he decided to promote unity within the diocese with the Pope.

When asked about Prado's decision, McElroy stated in the interview with Vida Nueva that he, too, would not include EWTN content on diocesan media.

McElroy expressed concern about EWTN, citing its significant economic and cultural influence and its fundamental opposition to the Pope's religious viewpoint.

According to McElroy, the network's main anchors frequently belittle Pope Francis' theological knowledge and capabilities.

It also promotes Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò's false accusations against the Pope and actively works against the reforms advocated by the Pope.

Opposition towards Pope Francis

According to McElroy, Pope Francis has faced significant resistance due to his desire to continue the work of the Second Vatican Council and his focus on incorporating the spiritual perspectives and experiences of the Global South into the Church's activities.

In the United States, McElroy noted that this opposition is compounded by concerns among Catholics that the Pope is considering pastoral approaches that go beyond existing doctrinal formulations.

McElroy stated that Pope Francis is primarily concerned with the complexities of believers' lives.

He is also concerned about how the Gospel and the Church's traditions can be applied compassionately and effectively to those who are struggling to follow God's path amidst challenges.

McElroy acknowledged that this approach does not offer the same level of clarity and certainty that some people have come to expect in their understanding of the faith.

However, he believes that Francis' pastoral approach reflects the same method employed by Jesus, who first embraces individuals with love, then offers help and healing, and finally calls for conversion and change.

Women in Priesthood

During the interview, McElroy also reaffirmed his previous advocacy for the inclusion of women in the diaconate while also expressing concerns about the ordination of women to the priesthood.

He stated that he feared such ordinations would cause significant division within the Church and, therefore, should not be a goal of the synodal process.

McElroy took a stronger position on this issue than in his previous article for America magazine, where he suggested that it was likely that the synod would opt to reserve the priesthood for men but did not explicitly state his stance.

However, McElroy emphasized that he, along with the entire Church, is still seeking a theological framework that fully recognizes the equality of women.

It is despite the unequal cultural contexts within the Catholic world.

Response to Accusation of Heresy

McElroy also acknowledged the accusations of heresy leveled against him after he published an article about ministering to divorced and remarried Catholics and LGBTQ individuals.

However, he argued that such language was harmful to the Church and undermined the necessary dialogue around fundamental questions the Church is facing today.

McElroy also shared that his doctoral thesis in theology focused on Jesuit Fr. John Courtney Murray, who was once forbidden to write about religious liberty without Jesuit superior general approval.

Afterward, he emphasized the importance of refraining from using negative labels against those who hold opposing views during doctrinal debates.