I think the internet age has created this hyperpapalism and ultramontanism view of the Pope and that the ability for the world to see every word and deed of the pope is actually a bad thing. The role of the pope ought be 1) be the bishop of Rome and 2) settle matters that arise and needs a final authoritative decision (which should be ra…
I think the internet age has created this hyperpapalism and ultramontanism view of the Pope and that the ability for the world to see every word and deed of the pope is actually a bad thing. The role of the pope ought be 1) be the bishop of Rome and 2) settle matters that arise and needs a final authoritative decision (which should be rare in an ideal world). That's it. People need to focus way more on their OWN bishop and not on the pope.
The practical status of local bishops in the Internet era is utterly bizarre. My bishop lives 60 miles away. I see him maybe once every two years, unless I make the effort to travel to the Cathedral. I hear from him maybe four times a year via the audio pastoral letters. Who cares? Pope Francis is a two hour flight away and he fills my consciousness.
It was not my local bishop who was on the front page of The Times of London on Good Friday 2018: "Pope Francis 'abolishes Hell'". Bring on the luckless Cardinal Nichols from Westminster to spin the story on the lunchtime BBC Radio 4 news. My bishop may be a useful area manager for the purpose of selling off masses of church property as congregations collapse.
I am reminded of that wacky upside down pyramid building in Bratislava. Somehow bishops need to be visible on the ground as pastors.
I think the internet age has created this hyperpapalism and ultramontanism view of the Pope and that the ability for the world to see every word and deed of the pope is actually a bad thing. The role of the pope ought be 1) be the bishop of Rome and 2) settle matters that arise and needs a final authoritative decision (which should be rare in an ideal world). That's it. People need to focus way more on their OWN bishop and not on the pope.
The practical status of local bishops in the Internet era is utterly bizarre. My bishop lives 60 miles away. I see him maybe once every two years, unless I make the effort to travel to the Cathedral. I hear from him maybe four times a year via the audio pastoral letters. Who cares? Pope Francis is a two hour flight away and he fills my consciousness.
It was not my local bishop who was on the front page of The Times of London on Good Friday 2018: "Pope Francis 'abolishes Hell'". Bring on the luckless Cardinal Nichols from Westminster to spin the story on the lunchtime BBC Radio 4 news. My bishop may be a useful area manager for the purpose of selling off masses of church property as congregations collapse.
I am reminded of that wacky upside down pyramid building in Bratislava. Somehow bishops need to be visible on the ground as pastors.
I think we really began to think and talk seriously about hyperpapalism and ultramontanism shortly after 2013.
The internet just helped this along.