Is the Pope Catholic? Not Enough for 4 Cardinals; 4 Disputing Communion for Remarried Divorcees

An interview with Pope Francis on cardinal criticism of his efforts to make the Catholic Church more open and pastoral in its ministry, was published today (November 18, 2016) in "Avvenire," the official newspaper of the Italian hierarchy, according to the Religion News website.

The Pope's interview was sparked by four hard-line cardinals who have grave concerns about Francis' approach to interpreting Catholic doctrine. Without mentioning the cardinals by name, Francis said, "They are acting in bad faith to foment divisions."

The four critics -- led by U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke -- had written privately to Francis in September, asking him if a document he issued in April could be interpreted to mean that divorced and remarried Catholics could receive Communion.

Earlier this week, the four cardinals went public with the letter to Francis because they learned he had no intention to responding to their concerns. Burke then told the "National Catholic Register" that if  Francis did not offer a clarification soon, the next step by the cardinals would be to make "a formal act of correction of a serious error" -- a phrase that some believe is tantamount to accusing the Pope of heresy!