Do Some Catholics Ignore the Pope's Authority?

Discover how some Catholics, known as 'Cafeteria Catholics,' selectively follow church teachings and often question papal authority.

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Yes, there are Catholics who don't follow the Pope. These individuals, sometimes referred to as 'Cafeteria Catholics,' selectively adhere to certain doctrinal teachings while disregarding others, including the authority of the Pope. Additionally, some traditionalist groups, like the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), often question or reject the authority and modern teachings of the Pope while still considering themselves devout Catholics.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does it mean to be a Cafeteria Catholic? A Cafeteria Catholic selects which teachings of the Church to follow, often disregarding the authority of the Pope.
  2. Why do some Catholics reject the Pope's authority? Some traditionalist Catholics, like those in the Society of Saint Pius X, question the Pope's modern teachings and prefer older doctrines.
  3. Are Cafeteria Catholics considered devout? Yes, many Cafeteria Catholics still identify as devout, despite selectively following certain teachings.
  4. How many Catholics do not follow the Pope? Exact numbers are hard to quantify, but there is a notable segment of Catholics who express varying degrees of dissent against papal authority.

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