Priesthood

The Vatican and "The Smoke of Satan"

Now: The Persecution of Father Ripperger

In 1972, Paul VI’s enthusiasm for a Council that was meant to renew the Church had long since evaporated, and during a homily he delivered words that shook the entire world: he said he had the feeling that “from some crack, the smoke of Satan has entered the temple of God.” Many may have thought: “But this is surely an exaggeration!” The Church is One, Holy, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Mt 16:18). It is true that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church, but they can persecute and oppress it to the point of rendering it unrecognizable.