The Roman Catholic organization is very rich, powerful and
influential. Some might think it is at its nadir in terms of power and
influence and when viewed historically. But this is not so. Granted its power
is different today than it was in the 19th century or even the 15th
century, but in different ways it still holds a great deal of wealth and the
ability to project influence. This is not equal in all places, not even in all
ostensibly 'Catholic' countries.
It must be granted the Papacy has fallen when compared to the
11th through 13th centuries when it was quite literally
the master of Europe toppling kings and launching massive wars.
Yet, if the Pope were a teacher or leader resting on pure
doctrinal or moral authority then he would appear like a visiting guru, maybe
drawing some crowds, even impressive ones. But he wouldn't be receiving the red
carpet, meeting with political leaders and practically compelling them to shut
down city blocks and provides armies of security etc...
The Roman Catholic organization has controlling interests in
numerous large corporations and works politically through many channels,
organizations and sects under its umbrella.
The Papacy is a fascinating institution to say the least and
while many perceive this Pope as some kind of liberal or champion of the Left,
I would argue they have misunderstood him. His presentation and style are very
different from his predecessors. He's attempting to reform the bureaucracy
within the Vatican. It is too early to tell if this will prove successful. But
doctrinally he represents traditional positions and the same kind of social
power and vision represented in his predecessors. The American Right's
understanding of politics and economics have become so restricted that anything
outside the pale of extreme Neoliberal Capitalism and in many cases
Militaristic Imperialism is immediately decried as Marxist.
These extremes cannot continue. The Right has intellectually
boxed itself in and is setting itself on a course that can only lead to
political violence.
The Pope is a captivating figure to be sure but he would be
nothing apart from the power of the massive organization that he reigns over.
He may hug the poor and present himself as humble, but remember his claims are
the most boastful and blasphemous of perhaps any on this earth. He claims to be
the Vicar of Christ, His representative on Earth and to speak with His voice.
He may 'seem' Christ-like in his interactions with the people
but unlike any true teacher resting on divine and moral authority he travels
about with teams of armed men and his words to politicians carry a veiled
threat of financial, political and social power. These statements are also
applicable to Dobson, Falwell and other Christian Right leaders who have also
traveled around with armed security and use money as a weapon to threaten the
political status quo. What would Paul say to them? They are wholly different
creatures to be sure.
While he does not wield the overt political power of some
leaders, they all will pause and listen to his words. Everyone remembers Poland
in the 1980's and the role of the Vatican in numerous governmental
administrations, civil wars and insurgencies from Spain to Latin America and
even parts of Asia and Africa. Roman Catholicism is at its very heart a
Sacralist organization pursuing a vision of social monism.
Like all Sacralist theological paradigms, Rome rejects the
inherent Kingdom duality presented in Scripture. Like its Dominionist allies on
the Protestant front it explicitly repudiates Christ's proclamations that the
Kingdom is not of this world, and that the realms of Caesar and Christ are
neither compatible nor complimentary.
He is certainly more influential than the head of the UN an
organization many seem far more disturbed about. The UN an object of terror to
many on the Right is a wholly impotent bureaucracy and the General-Secretary is
an object of scorn and ridicule.
