Were there bad popes

[Tis_Bearself]

Correct, but there is no rational reason for a leader to do something that everyone else finds repugnant and that ultimately results in him losing power and being killed.
I am sure those who disapproved may have paid lip service.

 

[Feanor2]

I’d say we had some bad Pope including some with mistresses and children who they appointed as Cardinals.

 

[Aquinas11]

Have you looked into Stephen VI? I haven’t so wasn’t sure if you knew if you could confirm that nobody dissented among Cardinals etc? Does seem odd but likely fear like you said

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I just posted an article on him recently on here that said that the Corpse Trial was universally disapproved, but because his underlings feared him , nobody dared speak against it.

 

[tafan2]

Why do you think no one dissented?

 

[LilyM]

I never know what forum to submit a historical thread, so I choose the one which seems best related to the material. At any rate:

We Catholics are often too willing to admit there have been some really immoral and bad popes. I have made the case before this is way overstated. Indeed, they were few and r between. Here is a good article on the topic:

http://m.ncregister.com/62686/b

The point is- that it matters not one bit how many or how bad their personal sins were - and thank God for.ir! He promises to prevent them.from.formally teaching error, and He has held good to.that promise.

 

[tafan2]

I disagree. I understand your point, and it has some validity, but the morality of Church leadersatters a great bit. A key role of the Church is to evangelize, to spread the Gospel. If the leaders of the Church are morally corrupt, this mission is severely compromised. In addition, Catholics themselves will abandon the faith in such situation.

 

[dochawk]

The selection of a Pope reflects God’s will is a faulty premise?

Yes.

The Holy Spirit guides the cardinals, but they don’t necessarily follow.

The one who dug up a corpse to put on trial comes to mind …

So does dying during an act of adultery . . .

Why do you think no one dissented?

The guy with his fingers on all the levers of power, an absolute ruler, has dug up a corpse and put it on trial. What happens to someone who points out that he is stark, raving, mad???