Capuchin Fr. Thomas Weinandy begins his letter to Pope Francis saying,
"I write this letter with love for the Church and sincere respect for your office."
He then admonishes,
“Yet, Your Holiness, a chronic confusion seems to mark your pontificate.”
The highly regarded and accomplished theologian states his justification:
“I decided to write Pope Francis a letter, which I intended then to publish unless he adequately addressed the issues I raised . . . . I find it significant that not only did the Lord fulfill my demand for a sign, but also did so in, what I believe, a very significant manner.”
The learned friar seems to disregard the first Rule of the Friars Minor:
“The rule of life of the lesser Brothers is this, namely to observe the Holy Gospel… Br. Francis promises obedience and reverence to the lord Pope Honorius and his successors canonically entering office… let the rest of the brothers be bound to obey Brother Francis and his successors.”