In what many are dubbing “Orgasm-gate,” Cardinal, ghostwriter, and close friend to Pope Francis Víctor Manuel “Tucho,” Fernández is suddenly having his older writings thrust into the spotlight. Of particular interest is his 1998 book Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality. A piece written seemingly from no place of personal preference, he focuses strongly on the orgasm for both men and women in this book, something that leaves many calling for his head.
“Let’s not forget that women have a rich venous plexus around the vagina, which maintains a good blood flow after orgasm. That’s why she is usually insatiable. She needs to release the pelvic congestion, and when this does not happen, after orgasm, she may want more. The woman requires more time, more dedication. She needs the man to give her something extra after he has achieved his own satisfaction.”
Recently, he has addressed the topic, claiming that printing of the book was incredibly limited as he had it originally published and barred any future reproduction. Still, it wasn’t the orgasm discussion that bothered people. Even the fact that it was being written by a man of God didn’t raise many eyebrows. However, his descriptions of a 16-year-old girl telling him about her erotic thoughts of Jesus were the breaking point.
If someone truly told him the things he described, they went far beyond the limits of good taste or what a priest should be hearing as a confession from someone. Especially someone who is describing his holiness in such an erotic and detailed manner. However, if he simply made it all up for entertainment or shock value, then one must question his mental state for evoking a mixture of sexuality and spirituality.
This also wasn’t the first case of his writing getting him into hot (holy) water.
Back in 1995, as a 33-year-old priest, he penned “Heal Me With Your Mouth: The Art of Kissing.” In the introduction, he told the readers what he felt was crucial to the message.
“I want to clarify that this book was not written so much based on my own experience but based on the lives of people who kiss. In these pages, I want to synthesize the popular feeling, what people feel when they think of a kiss, and what mortals experience when they kiss. So, trying to synthesize the immense richness of life, these pages emerged in favor of kissing. I hope that they help you kiss better, that they motivate you to release the best of your being in a kiss.”
Citing the need for research material for the book, he described his mission to interview about 1,000 people from all walks of life. He claimed that bars, businesses, colleges, and other places frequented by younger people allowed him the opportunity to discuss kissing with them.
Given the recent emergence of his fondness for sexual writing, many are now wondering how much (if any) Pope Francis knew about when he chose Fernández as head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office. No matter the answer, it doesn’t bode well for his holiness. If he wasn’t aware, then it doesn’t say much about the Vatican’s ability to conduct their due diligence. If he did and allowed him to assume a holy and prestigious position, then it may make many question his ability to lead the flock.
For many, the discovery of Fernández’s writings is the last straw, especially “Mystical Passion.” No matter what the Vatican might have to say on the subject, for many Catholics, it will be another case of too little too late.
Given Pope Francis’ especially warm reception to the gay community as of late, it could indicate that he knew about Fernández’s writings. Perhaps his leaning into this woke ideology was a way to not only soften the blow of these passages, but by getting out in front of it, he would hope that his flock would not judge him so harshly.
Either way, the only confessional Cardinal Fernández will likely be receiving in the near future will be from the excommunicated Catholics.
