Replies

I don’t know - to me the ruthless administration of the land, financial malfeasance and political maneuvering were/are still crime enough, in light of their station.

It is not much different than my frustration with the political class we are struggling to unseat today. I see any “representative” who is supposed to be (but is decidedly NOT) upholding the principles that our Founder’s fought and died for to be more contemptible than, any who, while still a patriot, may succumb instead, to other sins.

Possibly, because even though I am not Catholic, I do still hold the Church in high regard - so for a pope, (or worse, several in succession!) who is regarded as St. Peter’s successor, to exhibit greed, deception and unbridled pride are plenty bad enough for me, lol.

Thanks much for your replies, to me, and to others, because I have been provided with even more information to follow up on, which is my favorite way to start working on learning something new ; )

May God keep watch, FRiend.
Tatt

I don’t know - to me the ruthless administration of the land, financial malfeasance and political maneuvering were/are still crime enough, in light of their station.

Which is why they were bad Popes. My point is, I guess, is that if someone is a thief or a liar or a bully then they should be called out for theft, deception and bullying - instead of being accused of murders and rapes and piracy on the high seas instead.

so for a pope, (or worse, several in succession!) who is regarded as St. Peter’s successor, to exhibit greed, deception and unbridled pride are plenty bad enough for me

I agree, but since He brings good out of evil, I think the good that He has brought out of their evil is to remind us that even Popes are mere men and that the value is in the office and not in its holders.

Much like the Founders upheld the principle that good governments are founded not on fickle men but on just laws.

I don’t know - to me the ruthless administration of the land, financial malfeasance and political maneuvering were/are still crime enough, in light of their station.

Immediately after conferring St Peter's station, Jesus rebuked him with "Get behind Me, Satan!" Contrary to popular belief, the Popes are not infallible in every utterance but only under certain, very particular, circumstances. Otherwise, they are men with a special office and commission. They sin and confess their sins as we all do.

Just because some sins are more public and scandalous than others doesn't make them greater sins in the economy of salvation.

God bless.