text: 2/2
  I don’t think there will be a schism. I think Burke wants to be a player in the next conclave, and I doubt that he will do anything to jeopardize his chance to participate. However, your reference to a “Second Great Schism” suggests that you think there will be one. What do you think it will look like? Do you think Burke and his followers will declare the See of Rome vacant? That they will elect a(n) (anti-)pope? Or merely bide their time until Francis dies or retires? If there is a schism, I think there will be nothing “great” about it. History will record in a footnote that a disgruntled former employee tried to embarrass the boss who sacked him.  Whatever publicity attaches to the schism as it happens will serve to secure Francis’ place in history and in the hearts of his people as the pope of compassion and mercy.
  I won't have much time to post for the next few days. Tis the season, you know. But I want to acknowledge the clarity and courtesy of your writing. Thank you.