This is one of my problems with the Catholic church as an institution. Massive corruption throughout history. And people that swear to live in poverty chastity and obedience continuously fail at all 3.
Yes during the Middle Ages, and Renaissance especially, the papacy fell on evil times. Just one example: Alexander VI, the Borgia pope, was an ambitious power player who held aspirations of establishing papal control over all of Italy and making the papacy a family dynasty. He had a broad swath of the peninsula, in the Papal States, and had the wherewithal to hire mercenary armies to impose his will on uncooperative rivals. He supported his son, Cesare, in establishing a duchy in Romagna, which was to be a major addition to Vatican holdings. It all fell apart with Alexander’s death, although the Papal states endured into modern times.
The Church has sinners yes. Jesus came for the sinners.
All members of the Church, including her ministers, must acknowledge that they are sinners. In everyone, the weeds of sin will still be mixed with the good wheat of the Gospel until the end of time. This echoes Jesus’ parable of the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13:24-30), where good and evil coexist in the Church until the final judgment.
With regards to priests, yes, even 1 bad priest is 1 too many, I fully agree - and you need to note at the same time that Priests are human and subject to sin, as are all people. The Church teaches that ordination imparts a sacramental character but does not remove human weakness. While failures are scandalous, they are not universal. Many priests faithfully live their vows, serving sacrificially in poverty, chastity, and obedience. For example, saints like St. John Vianney (d. 1859) and countless unnamed priests exemplify fidelity. The media often amplifies scandals, overshadowing the majority who serve humbly.
The efficacy of sacraments does not depend on the priest’s holiness (ex opere operato). A sinful priest can still validly administer the Eucharist or absolve sins because the grace comes from Christ, not the minister
the Church acknowledges its history of corruption and the sinfulness of its members, including priests who fail in poverty, chastity, and obedience. These failings are real but do not negate the Church’s divine foundation by Christ, its holiness as His Bride, or its authority to teach and sanctify. The Church is a hospital for sinners, guided by the Holy Spirit, and has a history of reforming itself through councils, saints, and repentance. Scandals, like clergy abuse, are gravely sinful, but reforms and the faithfulness of many clergy show the Church’s commitment to renewal. Catholics are called to personal conversion, accountability, and trust in Christ’s promise that the gates of hell will not prevail (Matthew 16:18), ensuring the Church’s mission endures despite human weakness.
All Christian denominations -- and every other religion as well -- are human institutions. Hence, all of them are run by sinners.
The real issue is, despite its corruption, which one of them speaks the Truth?
Christ hand-picked a traitor, a 3x denier, a doubter and a bunch of sleepyheads who couldn’t stay awake with our Lord and pray.
Also, let’s not forget people like Bella Dodd that testified before congress that the communists sent many into the Priesthood to destroy the Church from within.
It’s a sad reality but it is what it is. She still stands 2000 yrs later, still teaches the fullness of truth and will until Christ returns.
I don’t speak for others but I’ve fallen many times in my life.