Pope Francis considers the development of Church doctrine on his return flight from Canada.
In certain Catholic circles, there's talk of Pope Francis changing the teaching of Paul VI's document on contraception, Humanae Vitae, a document which will mark its 55th anniversary next year.
The rumors are mostly linked to a book that presents the talks from a three-day conference sponsored by the Pontifical Academy for Life in fall of 2021. The book was published last month by the Vatican publishing house, called Etica teologica della vita: Scrittura, tradizione, sfide, pratiche (Theological Ethics of Life: Writing, Tradition, Practical Challenges).
On the plane from Canada to Rome, the Pope was asked for his thoughts on if the Church's teaching on contraception needs development. "This is something very timely," he began, in reply.
Doctrinal development
The Pope then went on to explain that "dogma, morality, is always on a path of development, but always developing in the same direction."
He cited Vincent of Lerins and "a rule that is very clear and illuminating" from the 10th century, his principle that doctrine is ut annis consolidetur, dilatetur tempore, sublimetur aetate.
This theologian maintained that doctrine does not stay still but is "consolidated by years, enlarged by time, refined by age."
In this context, the Pope said, theologians have a duty to research and reflect. "You cannot do theology with a 'no' in front of it," he said.
Instead, it's the teaching body of the Church, the Magisterium, that redirects theology if it has gone astray.
Regarding the issue of contraception, the Pope showed he was aware of the chatter about the Pontifical Academy for Life book.
The Pope said that this dynamic and principle applies to many issues, and gave two recent examples, that of stockpiling atomic weapons and the death penalty.
Tradition vs traditionalists
In this regard, the Pope returned to a concern he has voiced about "traditionalists."
