Read Troy’s original article here: The Catholic Church: An Underestimated and Necessary Actor in International Affairs
In the winter of 2008, Jodok Troy analyzed the role of the Catholic Church (“the Church”) in international affairs. His argument is twofold. First, he discusses the normative values of the Papacy, and claims that it is a powerful player on the world stage. Second, he interprets the Church’s influence as a force for good, arguing that it is a “respectable promoter of human rights and freedom.” Although recent developments lend credence to Troy’s claims, there are several detractions that must also be addressed.
The author’s first point is certainly valid, as the Church has considerable weight on the international level. Since the election of the late Pope John Paul II in 1978, the Holy See has greatly expanded its influence on the world stage. John Paul II was a global activist, visiting 129 different countries during his time in office. He instituted World Youth Day, played a significant role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, and was instrumental in evangelizing the Catholic faith. Current Pope Benedict XVI is trying his best to follow in his footsteps; he has already published several encyclicals, opened up to other religious groups, and expressed a strong stance on important social and political issues. When the Pope speaks, people listen, even if they don’t always agree.
Troy’s second point – that the Church is a force for good – is a bit more controversial and attracts more opposition. While supporters may point to the fall of communism, democratization, and social egalitarianism as pillars of Papal policy, dogmatic opponents may go as far back as the Crusades and the Inquisition, pointing fingers at historical atrocities. At such extremes, Troy’s argument stands firm; today’s Church has been admirably reformed, hardly resembling its past monstrosity. However, many question the Church’s opinion on a host of other issues, including contraceptives and homosexuality.
This brings us to a few more problems with Troy’s article. The first complication concerns the foundation of the Church’s international influence. Troy argues that the Church is strong because of its “institutional stability and moral authority.” Yet, both its institutions and moral authority are under intense pressure today. A prime example is the United States health care mandate that will require private institutions, including Catholic ones, to provide contraceptive coverage in their insurance plans. Sex abuse scandals and a struggling inter-religious dialogue make people question whether the Church is in the right. Despite all of its greatness, the Church cannot enforce its doctrine upon its followers; it can only try to persuade them. Ultimately, it is up to the individual believer to comply, and his choice cannot be judged in this world. There are plenty of so-called “bad Catholics.”
Globalization and technology, which Troy optimistically supports as a “fortunate development for the Church,” only further decentralizes the religious body. The free and instantaneous spread of ideas makes it much more difficult to promote a universal Catholic doctrine. Now more than ever, the strength of one’s individual beliefs is of the utmost importance to the perseverance of a Catholic identity. Yet, Troy concludes his article by stressing the vital role of the Pope, arguing that it is “the Holy See’s turn to use its institutions and moral capabilities to become once more an ‘ethical reservoir’ in an age of a declared and believed ‘clash of civilizations.’”
But what is the Pope without his one billion followers? What is the Church without its people? It is nothing. How influential would the Holy See be in international affairs without citizens who respond to its call? The Church is a powerful actor, but its heart is dispersed in individuals around the globe, not in the Vatican.
