[Rummyfan]

Just why do Morford and his fellow perverts care one way or another who the Pope is? They will denigrate and deride the Church at every opportunity, yet still seek its approval. It's an interesting paradox

[Sax]

I think it's because on the conscious level they are smugly pleased with their defiant and devious behavior, but waaay down in the most primal of thoughts, they hear that little voice telling them that they should be submitting to God. It bothers them and makes them feel uneasy, until they can get back to ignoring it.

[expatpat]

.....yet still seek its approval. It's an interesting paradox

My theory: the dirty buggers know they're depraved perverts and feel mucho guilt, which can be washed away only by everyone's acceptance and approval.