ON CONCLAVISM:

There are those who, acknowledging the lack of Divinely-assisted Authority in Francis, think that traditionalists may or even ought to band together and form a conclave in order to elect a pope.

This idea is false and dangerous, and here is why.

The reason why conclavism is false is simply that traditionalists bishops do not have ordinary jurisdiction; they do not, therefore, have the ability to represent the Church at a general council (which would elect a pope, according to Cajetan when there are no cardinals).

It is also false given that the present cardinals really and truly do have the power of designation, that is: Francis is validly elected to the Papacy, and the material continuation of the Church is thus assured.

This is because they have not been legally excommunicated.

Were one to assert that the Church has been able to elect a pope for 60 years, and hasn't done so, one would affirm that God has ceased to sustain His Church as a human society, at least for a period of time, which is impossible, by Divine Faith, since the Church is indefectible.

In sum, it is impossible that the laity or traditionalists bishops form a conclave to elect a pope, first and foremost because the See is materially and legally occupied by Francis, and also because they have no right or ability to do so.

END OF THREAD.