Points to somewhat of a hypocracy in this conclave business, doesn’t it?
Nobody said you had to be morally perfect to vote in the conclave. I think he should have removed himself, as O’Brien did, but there really wasn’t anyway of removing him before that without giving the liberal forces the chance to claim that the vote was invalid (because of his absence).
Mahony is still a big hero to the liberals. The only thing they don’t like is that he got caught.
“This conclave business” is nothing less than the work of the holy spirit. Organizations run by men will be imperfect ( the hypocrisy of which you speak) because All men are sinners, including cardinals.
What is perfect is the Holy Spirit and the implementation of the will of God. The next Pope is Christ’s chosen apostle... just like Peter ( whom if we remember denied Christ 3 times.)