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If I Were the Pope, I’d Deal with China Differently
The Catholic Church, in her long and storied history, has lots of experience dealing with dictatorial powers that see her as a rival.
Throughout much of European history, bishops were a different class of wealthy noblemen. Rulers rightly saw bishops as potential threats. Many kings and princes attempted to control the ability to appoint the bishops within their rule. The response of the Church varied over time and place, but the essential lesson is that the Church should not, can not, cede her power to appoint bishops to the local authorities. When she does, it goes badly.