Is heresy only formal “when the Church recognizes it”? No.

Formal Heresy

It's not true that something is only considered formal heresy "when the Church recognizes it." A person is considered a notorious (and thus formal) heretic when 1) the heretical teaching is public and 2) the imputable/sinful character of the act is publicly known. Francis has fulfilled both. People can become notorious heretics without any declaration or official Church recognition, as the teaching of Pope Martin V (and others) proves. Moreover, certain positions are so notorious (e.g. it's illicit to convince people of the faith; permission for same-sex 'blessings'; etc.) that public adherence to them by itself constitutes notorious (and thus formal) heresy. We discuss these matters here: Great Proof Texts For Sedevacantism Show That Francis Is Not The Pope. According to Catholic principles, based on what he publicly preaches, teaches and does, Francis is definitely a manifest heretic and cannot be considered to have membership or authority coram ecclesia (in the sight of the Church).

No Authority To Recognize Francis

Breaking: Francis Says “Yes” To Same-Sex “Blessings” In Response To “Cardinals”

Dear Brothers, 

Brother Peter made a really good point about how so many deceivers try to avoid the truth (and discourage others from seeing it) by claiming they don't have 'authority.'  Yes, we might ask such individuals: who gave you the authority to ignore the teachings of every pope from St. Peter to Pope Pius XII?  Those popes certainly didn't give you any such authority, because they were adamant that the dogmatic teachings of the Church can never change and that to be a Catholic, one must be subject to those popes and accept their dogmatic pronouncements.  In addition (we might also ask) who gave you the "authority" to align yourselves with individuals or "churches" that reject papal teaching, and who gave you the authority to defend and even support them?  Certainly, the aforementioned popes never gave you any such authority; on the contrary, they condemned such actions!...   

Lee Ann 

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Breaking: Francis Says “Yes” To Same-Sex “Blessings” In Response To “Cardinals”