Press conference by Bishop Fellay in Rome, February 2
The press conference of the Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X took place on Monday February 2 at 11h30, at the Columbus Hotel. In front of 45 Vatican journalists and around thirty invited guests, Bishop Fellay gave a presentation of the letter which he addressed at the end of January to all the cardinals. After an exposé lasting half an hour, he answered questions during one hour, and then granted an interview to the television channels present. Of note was the presence of three churchmen, of whom at least two are specialists on ecumenical questions, close to Cardinal Ratzinger.
Concerning the discussions with the Holy See, Bishop Fellay said: We wish to build a bridge. Rome is proposing to us the roadway of this bridge, but we want first of all to construct the pillars. In other words, the doctrinal base, indispensable for any kind of discussion. (see DICIs exclusive interview with Bishop Fellay)
These are some of the headlines on the following day, Tuesday February 3, in the Italian press: An appeal to the pope against ecumenism (Il Messaggero); Lefebvrists to the pope: Rid the Church of false ecumenism (Il Corriere della sera). And in the French press: Society of St. Pius X denounces the popes ecumenism (Le Figaro); Integrists launch vicious attack on ecumenism (La Croix).
