WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE SYNODAL CHURCH?

It seems to me, in my most humble opinion, that one of the first things the synodal Church should do, before changing the faith and morals of the Church, is to have dioceses select their own bishops in a synodal way, no?

But it seems that Pope Leo isn’t synodal in this way given the rash of bishop appointments he is now making.

Maybe the Holy Father is letting the synodal Church die a merciful, natural death?

ANOTHER GOOD BOMBSHELL APPOINTMENT? THE NEW ARCHBISHOP OF WESTMINSTER…

WILL CHICAGO BE NEXT? ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO?

From Silere non possum:

Westminster. Leo XIV chooses Mons. Moth

 Vatican City – After yesterday’s announcement of the appointment of the Archbishop of New York, today the Holy See Press Office has communicated a measure of equal significance. Pope Leo XIV, accepting the resignation from the pastoral governance of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Westminster submitted by H.E. Cardinal Vincent Gerard Nichols, has appointed as Metropolitan Archbishop of Westminster H.E. Msgr. Richard Moth, until now Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.


The decision opens a new phase for a see which, by history and ecclesial weight, represents a pivot not only for Londonbut for the whole of British Catholicism: Westminster is not a diocese “like any other”, but the chair from which the metropolitan archbishop leads a community called to face particularly acute pastoral and cultural challenges in the English context.

The resignation of Nichols

With the acceptance of Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ resignation, the Pope formally brings to a close a season that began in 2009, when Nichols was called to Westminster after Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor. Over these years, the archdiocese has gone through delicate passages: internal reorganisation, relations with the public sphere, and a growing focus on institutional accountability. Unlike the Dolan case, Nichols has led the diocese for roughly five additional years beyond the ordinary age envisaged for resignation. With today’s decision, Leo XIV concludes this extension period, in line with what he had also indicated in recent weeks in Assisi, speaking to the Italian bishops.

Richard Moth: canon law, diocesan curia, military service

The appointment of Msgr. Richard Moth brings to Westminster a figure whose curriculum is strongly marked by diocesan governance, juridical competence, and pastoral experience in complex contexts. Born on 8 July 1958 in Chingola (Zambia), he studied at Catholic schools in Kent and received his formation at St John’s Seminary in Wonersh (Surrey), later completing his studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, where he obtained a Licentiate in Canon Law. Ordained a priest on 3 July 1982 for the Archdiocese of Southwark, he held posts that outline the profile of a “man of the machine” as well as a pastor: parochial vicar, judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal of First Instance, private secretary to the Archbishop, master of liturgical celebrations, director of the vocations office and vice-chancellor, up to becoming President of the Metropolitan Tribunal of Second Instance. In 2001 he was appointed Vicar General of Southwark and Prelate of Honour; in the following years he also carried out parish governance roles as an administrator in various settings. A decisive turning point came in 2009, with his election as Military Ordinary for Great Britain, with episcopal ordination in September of that same year: an experience that placed him in close contact with the world of the Armed Forces, with its specific pastoral needs and the management of communities “on the move”. In 2015 came his transfer to the see of Arundel and Brighton, which he led until today’s call to Westminster.

d.N.Z.
Silere non possum

INTERESTING, NO?

 Maybe just a listening session or a plea to the good auxiliary bishop to cool his jets?

IN MY MOST HUMBLE OPINION, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT POPE LEO HAS READ GEORGE WEIGEL’S “THE COURAGE TO BE CATHOLIC” AS THE HOLY FATHER’S ETHOS AND NOW HIS HOLINESS’ SELECTION OF ARCHBISHOP-ELECT OF NEW YORK, RONALD HICKS FITS ALL OF WIEGEL’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CHURCH

 

It’s all making sense now. Pope Leo in the last few days had a private audience with George Weigel. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall at that meeting. 

But certainly, it doesn’t take too much to figure out that Pope Leo more than likely has read George Weigel’s writings and in particular his book, The Courage to be Catholic written in 2002!

From AI:

George Weigel's The Courage to Be Catholic

argues that the Catholic Church's sexual abuse crisis stems from a failure to fully embrace Vatican II and a drift towards "Catholic Lite," a watered-down faith influenced by secular culture, leading clergy and bishops to act like managers instead of apostles. Weigel calls for a return to authentic, traditional Catholicism—a "classic" faith rooted in fidelity to Christ and Church teaching—as the necessary path for true reform, challenging everyone from priests to laity to live out a deeper, more integral Catholic life to overcome the crisis and find new spiritual vitality. 

Core Themes:

• Crisis as Opportunity: Weigel views the crisis not just as a scandal but as a divine invitation for radical reform, echoing past Church challenges.
• Fidelity, Not Fundamentally Celibacy: He rejects explanations blaming celibacy or authoritarianism, pinpointing a lack of spiritual identity and fidelity as the root cause.
• "Catholic Lite" vs. "Classic Catholicism": The book contrasts the culturally accommodating "Lite" version with the robust, demanding, and historically rooted "Classic" faith.
• Role of Leadership: Bishops failed by acting as managers, while priests lost their sense of being icons of Christ, leading to a breakdown in spiritual fatherhood.
• Call to Action: Weigel urges a return to core Catholic identity, deeper faith, and courageous adherence to the Gospel for all Catholics to foster genuine renewal. 

IS POPE LEO RECOVERING “EVANGELICAL CATHOLICISM” OF THE PERIOD BRIDGING SAINT JOHN PAUL II AND POPE BENEDICT XIV BUT FALLING INTO OBLIVION UNDER POPE FRANCIS?

It’s official, Pope Leo has appointed Archbishop-Elect Ronald Hicks of Chicago, but more recently the Bishop of Joliet as the new archbishop of New York City:

Resignations and Appointments, 18.12.2025

Resignation and appointment of metropolitan archbishop of New York, U.S.A.

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the metropolitan archdiocese of New York, United States of America, presented by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan.

The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks as metropolitan archbishop of New York, United States of America, transferring him from the diocese of Joliet in Illinois, United States of America.

Curriculum vitae

Bishop Ronald Aldon Hicks was born on 4 August 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, in the metropolitan archdiocese of the same name. He attended Niles College Seminary, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Loyola University, Chicago. He was a volunteer for the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Foundation. He carried out his ecclesiastical studies at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake and Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. He subsequently qualified as a Doctor of Ministry at the same university.

He was ordained a priest for the metropolitan archdiocese of Chicago on 21 May 1994.

He has held the following offices: parish vicar of Our Lady of Mercy in Chicago (1994-996) and of Saint Elizabeth Seton in Orland Hills (1996-1999), dean of formation at Saint Joseph College Seminary (1999-2005), regional director of the charitable organization Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in Mexico and El Salvador (2005-2009), faculty member and then dean of formation of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake and Mundelein Seminary (2010-2014), and vicar general (2015-2020).

He was appointed titular bishop of Munatiana and auxiliary of Chicago on 3 July 2018, receiving episcopal consecration the following 17 September.

On 17 July 2020 he was appointed bishop of the diocese of Joliet in Illinois.

My most humble and astute comments:

While many worry that Cardinal Cupich has too much influence in the appointment of bishops in our country under both Pope Francis and now Pope Leo (Cupich is on the Dycastery of Bishops, btw), it appears to me and my most humble opinion that Archbishop-Elect Hicks is more a disciple of the late Francis Cardinal George of Chicago than he is of Cardinal Cupich.

Cardinal George was definitely into the Evangelical Catholicism of the pre-Francis Church. 

Evangelical Catholicism which is all about a Jesus-centered (Christo-centric) Catholicism, is not dependent on the TLM but certainly would embrace its liberal celebration throughout the world and certainly embraces that most excellent motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum. 

Evangelical Catholicism embraces a strong, orthodox Catholic identity, proud of both its orthodox liturgical tradition, old or new and strong in popular devotions, especially adoration of the Most Blesssed Sacrament, Benediction and Eucharistic processions. 

Apart from its emphasis on Catholics by the grace of Jesus’ personal love for them, to have a deeply personal love for Jesus, there is also an emphasis on “knowing, loving and serving Jesus Christ in this life in order to be happy forever in heaven. Catholic identity is about now and eternal life in heaven, saved from the fires of hell by Jesus Christ. It is soteriological!

Evangelical Catholicism also emphasizes good, solid, orthodox catechesis and for lay Catholic in the public square to have the skills for good apologetics in the world. 

Pope Leo is definitely within the school of Evangelical Catholicism as he too was greatly influenced by the late Francis Cardinal George and the two great popes prior to Pope Francis. 

It appears to this most humble blogger that the new Archbishop-Elect Ronald Hicks is an Evangelical Catholic and this is good news for the Church in the USA!

For those too young to remember this movement, which is still present, but not touted at all during the Francis papacy, this is how John Allen described it pre-Francis and when he was a reporter for the National catholic Reporter:

Vatican journalist 

John L. Allen Jr. defines "Evangelical Catholicism" as a primary trend in the 21st-century Church characterized by a drive for clarity and courage regarding Catholic identity. 

According to Allen's reporting, this movement is defined by several key pillars:

• Defensive of Orthodox Identity: It represents a move toward an "unconventionally conservative" future that rejects the "liberal Catholicism" of the late 20th century in favor of a more assertive, traditional identity.
• The "John Paul II Generation": Allen identifies this as a bottom-up movement particularly palpable among younger Catholics who seek "serious" Catholic institutions and are less interested in the secular-leaning reforms of the past.
• A "One-Two Punch" with Charismatics: Allen notes that Evangelical Catholics and Charismatic Catholics share significant theological groundwork. He argues the future of the Church likely belongs to these groups rather than liberal wings.
• Manifesto and Intellectual Roots: Allen identifies George Weigel’s The Courage to Be Catholic as the manifesto of this trend. It is also heavily influenced by the legacy of Fr. Richard John Neuhaus and the journal First Things.
• Engagement with the Secular World: Far from being isolationist, Allen describes it as a drive to engage social and political questions with a distinctively Catholic voice, reclaiming these as "evangelical causes" rather than strictly "progressive" ones.
• Global Shift: While initially rooted in the West, Allen links this ethos to the rising "Southern Church" (Africa, Asia, Latin America), which is often more conservative on doctrine but aggressive on issues like economic justice and the environment. 

Allen's reporting on this topic is featured extensively in his book The Future Church: How Ten Trends are Revolutionizing the Catholic Church. 

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S REDEMPTION OF SYNODALITY EXERCISED THROUGH HIS VICAR OF CHRIST, POPE LEO!

I learned in the almost 13 years of Pope Francis’ papacy that those things he complained about His Holiness’ was also most guilty. 

Talks too much ✅

Rigidity ✅

Mentally ill (✅by His Holiness own admission, btw, not that there’s anything wrong with that)

Longing for the past, the 1970’s in particular ✅

and there is more.

But also when he claimed that certain things aren’t the way they appear, but in fact are very much as they appear:

Pachamama ✅

Synodality is not a political parliament ✅

Thanks be to God, that Pope Leo XIV, understands the irony of Pope Francis’ many disclaimers. 

This is especially true of synodality and the heterodox who control it trying to turn it into a parliament with political lobbies of a variety of political parties vying to make the Church post-Catholic in faith, morals and sacraments, not to mention Sacred Scripture and Tradition.

I have always said that if the Vatican wants a talking fest lasting months and costing inestimable amounts of money, which the Vatican doesn’t have, that it should be to figure out how to present the immutable truths of the Church in a way that makes sense, not by changing these truths to conform to worldly sociology and ideologies, but by making them logical and a way that can be chosen to live. 

In this context, reports of Pope Leo discussing with all the cardinals in an extraordinary meeting with them in January will focus on the orthodox (which is also Eastern, in union and in schism) understanding of synodality.

This is what is being reported, thanks be to God:

The second point concerns the theme of synodality, which had been one of the most discussed elements of the pontificate of Francis. From the letter in question, it emerges that Leo XIV intends to propose a specific reading of it, in which synodality is not presented as a process of “democratization of the Church,” but as a path of communion: an instrument aimed at disposing clergy and laity to accept and to put into practice, in a concordant manner, what is established by ecclesiastical authority. This approach is explicitly linked by the Pope to the horizon of unity, indicated as the guiding criterion and key word of his pontificate.

BOMBSHELL! NEW ARCHBISHOP FOR NEW YORK CITY: FRIENDLY TO TRADITION AND VERY CLOSE TO THE LATE BUT EXTREMELY ORTHODOX CARDINAL FRANCIS GEORGE OF CHICAGO

 A traditional Archbishop for New York City

From a traditional TLM Catholic in Joliet:

tridentinebrewing

 

I was very pleased to meet my bishop after Mass last Sunday: His Excellency, Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet (Illinois).

I thanked him for his pastoral care & benevolence towards the Traditional Latin Mass Communities in the diocese. He comes across a genuinely humble and sincere prelate. I thank Our Lord that he has blessed the Diocese of Joliet with such a good shepherd!

Please pray for Bishop Hicks! 🙏

Press title:

Confirmed: Joliet's Bishop Hicks to NYC

Sources close to the Dicastery for Bishops confirmed the appointment to The Pillar.

DECEMBER 16, 2025 • THE PILLAR

"Bishop Ronald Hicks and the Latin Mass Bishop Ronald Hicks has been noted for his commitment to the Latin Mass and liturgical life within his diocese. His approach to the Mass has been characterized by a focus on sacramental life and the promotion of adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Hicks has been involved in the National Eucharistic Revival, which is a significant initiative by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. His leadership in Joliet has allowed the diocese to continue its ordinary life linked to the Traditional Latin Mass without drastic measures, contrasting with the approach of some other dioceses governed by prelates of a previous generation. This approach has been highlighted by the faithful in Joliet, emphasizing the centrality of the Eucharist and liturgical reverence in his episcopate"

MAJOR U-TURNS FROM POPE FRANCIS’ PAPACY TO POPE LEO’S ARE COMING AND ONE OF THOSE IS TRADITIONIS CUSTODIS AND YES, BY THE GRACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Words of wisdom from Damian Thompson: 

Indeed, the shared message of two Catholic factions with diametrically opposed opinions on most issues: hardline traditionalists, who regard Pope Leo XIV as a “Francis II” whose self-effacing charm conceals a modernist agenda; and hardline progressives, who hope that the traditionalists are proven right about Leo. Both groups of extremists—the former adjacent to sedevacantists, the latter to liberal Protestants.

The Italian journal, “Il Giornale” is reporting that Pope Leo is reversing Pope Francis’ use of a small number of cardinals to advise him and returning to consulting with the entire College of Cardinals. The first meeting for advice will be in January. I had reported, by clairvoyance, that this meeting more than likely would address the liturgical crisis of discontinuity with the papacies of St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI that Pope Francis had initiated  with His Holiness most flawed Motu Proprio ever to come from a Pontiff of the Holy Roman Church, Traditionis Custodis! And of course, reports are that I was correct, praised be Jesus Christ!

Diane Montagna translates portions of the “Il Giornale” article and it is good news:

ROME, 16 December 2025 — In a Christmas letter to the Sacred College, Pope Leo XIV has reportedly set out the agenda for his forthcoming consistory with Cardinals, with Church governance, synodality, and the sacred liturgy taking center stage.

Leo XIV has in fact taken pen and paper to write to his brothers, to whom he intends to restore that original role as principal collaborators in the governance of the universal Church, a role that was significantly diminished during the years of the Bergoglian pontificate.

In his letter, Leo XIV also mentions synodality, which in many ways served as the manifesto of the Bergoglian pontificate, but which the current Pope interprets in his own manner. For Prevost, the ultimate outcome of synodality is communion.

This same perspective also frames the final topic outlined in the letter setting the agenda for the forthcoming consistory: the liturgical question. 

We know how the liturgy has become—especially after the promulgation of Traditionis custodes in 2021—the principal battleground between different ecclesial sensibilities. The January consistory could thus provide an opportunity for the cardinals to engage one another on the stance to be adopted towards the increasingly numerous ‘traditionalist’ faithful who recognize the Second Vatican Council yet wish to continue celebrating the so-called Tridentine Mass.”