Cardinal Müller contradicts Cardinal Fernández on validity of SSPX confessions | Advaticanum

Cardinal Gerhard Müller appears to have contradicted an explanatory note issued by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández on the canonical status of the sacraments administered by the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X. In an interview with K-TV on 6 July, Cardinal Müller was asked whether confessions heard by priests of the Society of Saint Pius X were valid or invalid. His response differed from the position set out in Cardinal Fernández’s explanatory note, published on 2 July. “The confessions are valid, but illicit,” Cardinal Müller said. “The power to forgive or retain sins is conferred through the sacrament of Holy Orders. Its exercise can only be restricted by the bishop or the Pope, as provided by canon law.” His remarks stand in contrast to the explanatory note issued by Cardinal Fernández, which stated in its third point: “Finally, the holy People of God are hereby warned that the sacred ministers of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X administer the sacraments unlawfully and that …