Why Papal and Presidential Elections Can Be Hellishly Depressing

National Journal ^ | 3-11-2013 | Ron Fournier

[haffast]

The papal conclave is a gripping political story, and not just because reform-minded cardinals are pitted against old-guard “Romans.” The white-smoke watch resonates beyond the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics because the Vatican is emblematic of a 21st-century ill: the failure of social institutions to adapt to the times, and the public’s loss of faith in them.

The parallels leaped to mind while I read this sentence in TheNew York Times’soutstanding analysis of papal politics:

“The next pontiff must unite an increasingly globalized church paralyzed by scandal and mismanagement under the spotlight in a fast-moving media age.”

Let’s play Mad Libs with that sentence:For "church," substitute the name of almost any U.S. institution and for “pontiff” substitute practically any institutional leader. For example:

“The next governor must unite an increasingly globalized state paralyzed by scandal and mismanagement under the spotlight in a fast-moving media age.”

snip

"The next president must unite an increasingly globalized nation paralyzed by scandal and mismanagement under the spotlight in a fast-moving media age."

snip

"In Nothing We Trust," also explored what the trend means for the nation’s future: “People could disconnect, refocus inward, and turn away from their social contract. Already, many are losing trust. If society can’t promise benefits for joining it, its members may no longer feel bound to follow its rules. But is the rise of disillusionment inexorable? Can institutions regain respect? History offers hope, but Whitmire’s story, and the story of Muncie, say no.”

Sadly, I would write the same about my church. As a practicing Catholic, I want the next pope to use this inflection point to eliminate corruption (particularly the unforgivable protection of sexual predators) and to breathe transparency into Vatican banking and governing practices. But there is nothing in the Church’s past to suggest a better future.

[haffast]

This week, I will watch for the white smoke much in the way that I await election returns on the first Tuesday in Novembers -- with great anticipation and little hope. Is there more we can do?

Uuuh...to remember that God is immutable?

[Shadow44]

The media tries to view this as if it’s politics.

To believe in transcendental, unchanging values and institutions is alien to them.

[frogjerk]

A practicing Catholic...hmmm...I think he needs to practice some more and get into the confessional. What a creep. Unfortunately our Church and any Church for that matter is filled with them.

[willardwx]

Black smoke means Black pope.

[ThomasThomas]

Here the EPA would fine them unless they bought carbon credits.

[wideawake]

The Holy See is not a political prize.

Ron Fournier needs to get his head screwed on right.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks haffast.

I think we may have to consider the source on this one.

[haffast]

I think we may have to consider the source on this one.

Always.

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[MeneMeneTekelUpharsin]

They are both irrevocably corrupt?

[Vigilanteman]

I'm not a Catholic, but believe they have made excellent choices with, at least, their last two Popes. Both men were very positive influences on the world at large.

But I can't help but wonder about the idiots in the media with their endless speculation and advice on whom the Catholic church should select. If any of this media jerks are even Catholic at all, I'm willing to bet that they haven't actively participated in the church in years.

It would be nice if they would just STFU and report when far more spiritual men than them reach a decision.

[RobbyS]

This institution has been under attack for two hundred years, I think it has adapted quite well, considering.

[RobbyS]

McLuhan said that the medium is the message. As thought about the coverage of the Regensburg lecture and saw how it was wrongly reported, I can understand why John Paul II went on the road, so to speak, and to get his message out unfiltered. He had to resort to theatre: the yellow press has no respect for language.