Canon 188 in the 1983 Code of Canon Law reads: “A resignation made out of grave fear that is inflicted unjustly or out of malice, substantial error, or simony is invalid by the law itself.” This means if an attempted papal-resignation were done under duress, it would be invalid.  Keep in mind as you read this that some crimes can be proved, even if the victim denies it.  This is true in both criminal law and canon law. There has been much written on Can. 188 over the past decade by a few traditional Catholic authors.  But I believe many Catholics have forgotten two of the most important accounts given … Continue reading Two Forgotten-Accounts of Canon 188