sede vacante

[Johnna]

Someone said something to me about a pope being the highest authority, so nobody can remove him from office. I know that part is true. But they also argued that there is no precedent or canon law saying a council can declare sede vacante because of heresy.

Is there anything I can show them as proof?

[MarieT]

its a touchy subject

Some canonists and theologians believe that a pope who falls into manifest heresy automatically loses office,
even without a formal declaration

Its kind of like the latae sententiae when a priest discloses what was said in the confessional,
he is automatically excommunicated and faculties removed.
It is automatic - even before an ecclesial inquiry etc

Top canon lawyers and theologians use those lines as well if a pope preaches heresy
contrary to the Deposit of Faith entrusted from apostolic days. The pope's role is to
safeguard the Deposit of Faith, not change or add his own views. He is permitted to define it, but not
change it.

Historically medieval councils dealt with issues. I think it was the 1400's.

Also, historically, there was a situation where there were 3 popes....that needed to be dealt with.

Ask me next year lol....I'm thinking of studying Canon Law God willing

[Johnna]

Okay, thank you. I understand a little better now.

[MarieT]

Kevin would be a great person to ask
He has his Bachelor and Masters Degree in Theology

I based my response on what I read about the previous papacy by
cardinals and Archbishops who werent happy with francis

[Johnna]

I just needed words to put around the concepts that I understood. You did that nicely. I didn't really need anything in depth, as interesting as that might be.

I actually would love to learn more in depth for my personal knowledge. But, until my fatigue lessens, I'm afraid my head would explode. (not literally).

[MarieT]

i hear you about head exploding.

I'll post later about the situation of 3 pope schisms where a council stepped in and forced resignations (1 had died though).

Council of Constance 1400's

stay tuned, must dash

[MarieT]

The Haec Sancta decree was issued by the Council of Constance in 1415.

It was a significant moment in church history because it declared that an ecumenical council had authority directly from Christ and was above the Pope in matters of faith, reform, and resolving schisms.

This was a key document in the development of conciliarism, the idea that church councils could govern the church rather than just the Pope.

The Council of Constance itself (1414–1418) was convened to end the Western Schism, where multiple rival Popes claimed authority.

It successfully deposed two Popes, accepted the resignation of a third, and elected Martin V as the sole Pope, restoring unity

Having said that, this was the middle ages
Modern times - Church councils do not have the authority to remove the Pope - he is the highest See
however
Theologians have had discussions regarding if a gathering of bishops in council could declare a pope heretical and thereby deposed.

recall shortly after francis was elected, this gathering took place after concerns regarding his questionable decisions.

Cardinals, bishops, theologians met but one can assume, to avoid scandal for the church, they didn't pursue it further, ...instead trusting it into God's hands.