Amongst other highly controversial statements today, Pope Francis writes, 'On the other hand, to be rigorous, let us recognise that a clear and authoritative doctrine on the exact nature of a "definitive statement" has not yet been fully developed. It is not a dogmatic definition, and yet it must be adhered to by all. No one can publicly contradict it and yet it can be a subject of study, as with the case of the validity of ordinations in the Anglican Communion.' Today's statement seems to be saying that Leo XIII's teaching is currently binding on the Roman Catholic faithful, but that does not prevent further study of the Anglican Orders question. The language is, as usual, confusing and unclear, but it seems the Bishop of Rome may be inviting a reconsideration of the question.
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