some catholic scholars, including german philosopher robert spaemann and british academic joseph shaw, have expressed support for their initiative. cardinal george pell, prefect of the vatican secretariat for the economy, asked: "how can you disagree with a question?" in december 2016, the head of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, cardinal gerhard müller, while declaring that it was not the role of the congregation to engage in the controversy, indicated that he does not believe that the doctrine on communion can change.