(…)Does a deeper understanding of doctrine also mean overcoming homosexuality as 'objectively disordered', a definition in the Catechism that continues to hurt those who live in an unchosen sexual condition and also their families?
Feernández: This is a problem of theological language, which sometimes ignores the effect it can have on people's hearts, as if it were indifferent to the pain it produces. But, as you know, this is not the case with Pope Francis, who would certainly use different language.
Blessing homosexual couples is a sacrilege for traditionalist circles. Do they quote the Bible with full knowledge of the facts?
There are biblical texts that should not be interpreted in a 'material' way, I don't want to say 'literal'. The Church has long understood the need for a hermeneutic that interprets them in their historical context. This does not mean that they lose their content, but that they should not be taken completely literally. Otherwise, we would have to obey St. Paul's command for women to cover their heads, for example.
And what do you feel like saying to Catholics disappointed by the stagnation of reflection on women's access to the diaconate, even if it is permanent, despite a couple of ad hoc commissions set up by the Pope?
I say that it will not do us any good to analyze this problem in isolation. What lies behind it and is much deeper is the discourse on power in the Church and women's access to places where there is decision-making power. That is why it is important that women begin to vote in the Synod.
Does the possible ordination of married men, defended by a large majority in the Synod on Amazonia, undermine doctrine or is it a possible hypothesis for the Church?
It is a possible hypothesis, as in fact happens in the East. But it is a prudential decision that the Pope must weigh.
What do you expect from the October Synod of Bishops?
Unlike other Synods, where I expected very concrete answers, in this case I prefer to wait and see where the Spirit wants to lead us.
Have you been marked by the invectives, also on a personal level, that have been addressed to you from traditionalist circles?
I expected them, but they are not what worries me most. There are other areas in which operations are carried out to damage the image of people, when they do not respond to their ideological and economic interests. In these cases, the social message of Francis bothers. They are not precisely traditionalist sectors.
Catolin/RorateCaeli