If you think a conclave is inefficient, what about the Italian parliament?
By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Apr 18, 2013
Remember back during the conclave, when secular commentators were scoffing at the “ridiculous,” antiquated, inefficient way the Catholic Church chooses a Pope? Well, we’ve had our new Pope for a month now, and things seem to be working out just fine, thank you.
Meanwhile the thoroughly modern secular state of Italy, which held elections in February, still hasn’t produced a new coalition government, and failed this week to select a new president.
So maybe Italian parliamentarians should take lessons in efficiency from the cardinals. Or maybe secular commentators should recognize that for all its oddities, the conclave system works.
Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org. See full bio.
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