Bishop Rifan Receives Cordial Words from Leo XIV – But Needs a Successor
On November 17, he described the 30-minute audience on dapostolica.org. He recounted to Leo XIV the history of his Administration, which originated with Bishop Antônio de Castro Mayer of Campos (+1991), who had joined Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
Bishop Rifan presented Leo XIV with some of his books, articles, and explanations: “I spoke about our theological and spiritual path, about how we emerged from a state of separation from the Church and how we came to understand the necessity of communion, in which we now find ourselves, thanks to God and to the Church.”
Leo XIV asked him several questions about his position, which Monsignor Rifan answered "correctly", leaving the Pope "satisfied": "He realized that we are very different from other radical and schismatic groups," said Bishop Rifan, distancing himself from them.
He recalled with the Pope the phrase of Saint Augustine: "Outside the Church one may have many good things; one may sing Alleluia, Amen, make the sign of the cross, etc… But outside the Church there is no salvation."
Bishop Rifan explained that his administration is in communion with the territorially responsible bishop of Campos and with the other Catholic bishops.
Key point: He has already submitted his letter of resignation upon reaching the age of 75, along with “the need for us to continue having a bishop.”
As expected, there was no immediate response from Leo XIV.
Bishop Rifan commented: “Of course, his reply will come through the appropriate channels, after the usual consultations.”
Monsignor Rifan concluded that he was “very pleased with this cordial and auspicious visit, demonstrating our adherence and communion with the Chair of Peter in his person.”
Picture: Dapostolica.org, #newsDbugoxygpb