Thread by @mfjlewis

Observation:

In 2020, Anti-Francis Catholics are moving away from administrative/ecclesial attempts to take him down (trying to depose him or force him to resign), and have become much more apocalyptic, paranoid, and conspiracy-minded. 1/

Beginning in 2016 with the dubia, the main tactic appeared to be to try and rally members of the hierarchy to formally accuse Francis of heresy - presumably with the ultimate goal of declaring him to have forfeited the papacy. That clearly had few takers and failed miserably. 2/

In 2018, the most damaging attack on Francis was Viganò's "testimony," an attempt to embroil him in scandal and force him to resign. This was effective because it exploited a real issue that rightly concerns many. But upon investigation, Viganò's claims were discredited. 3/

So now, left without any practical options, those opposed to Francis have descended into full-blown conspiracy theory rhetoric: the New World Order, Freemasons, forces secretly plotting to impose a one-world religion and global government, anti-science propaganda, etc. 4/

But on top of this, there's an additional element of apocalypticism and end-times obsession: 4th secret of Fatima, False Prophet rhetoric, hysteria about idolatry in the Vatican, "COVID-19 is God's punishment for (enter topic here)," and so on. 5/

The involvement of TFP in this movement suggests that we will be hearing about "3 days of darkness," but I haven't noticed it yet.

There is also a thing called "The Warning - 2nd Coming" that's extremely popular with this crowd. If you haven't heard about this, you will soon. 6/

In a way, it's a relief that they have shifted away from stunts designed to disrupt & undermine the pope in the real world, & are now focused on fantasies.

But I can't help but be extremely concerned that some influential bishops & cardinals believe these paranoid fictions. 7/

It's also disturbing that many priests, theologians, and lay Catholics with large followings & media apostolates are promoting this junk. Many regular Catholics are eating it up.

Stay tuned to @Where_Peter_is as we continue to respond to & counter these frightening trends. 8/8

ADDENDUM:

Many notable Catholics have retreated from public opposition to @Pontifex. You gave platforms to Archbishop Chaput and Dubia Cardinals. You ignored their wilder accusations and did nothing to stop them. You stood by and said nothing as your peers were swallowed up...

You pretended to be the "voice of reason," yet you called Viganò "credible." You have provided cover for EWTN and Cardinals Burke and Sarah and Müller.

You have no interest in Francis or his prophetic message. You are simply waiting for Francis to die.

We see you.

/end rant