The Popes and Democracy - Part III. On the Effects of Modern Ideas 36. Cardinals and Politicians

If the right to vote is regarded as indispensable in civil government, why not in the government of the Church too? That Cardinals should be elected by the faithful is the logical conclusion of the belief in popular suffrage. Then Cardinals would elect the Pope, and we would have a really "democratic" Church. Perhaps it will be argued that politics and religion are two different things? They are indeed, but as far as the workability, usefulness and efficiency of the governing body are concerned, what is true for the one is also true for the other. In the monarchical-hierarchical organisation of the Church, as set up by Christ Himself, cardinals are appointed by the Pope, not elected by the people, and that is one of the reasons why the Church has withstood the test of 19 centuries. If cardinals were to be elected by the people, anarchy would soon prevail, and the Church would disintegrate just as modern democratic States. The affairs of the State are no less difficult to conduct than the affairs of the Church. It is taken for granted that Cardinals should receive a long and thorough training, from the seminary through to the Priesthood, and onwards. But politicians are not required to have any qualifications whatsoever! With enough oratory to sway the mob, and enough money to run an electoral campaign, any-one can become a member of Parliament. Such is the tragic farce of modern Democracy.