Hadrian the Seventh · Chapter
VI explained
Pope Hadrian VII confronts Cardinal Courtfield about the worldly behavior of the clergy, criticizing their assimilation to the laity and their un-Christian conduct, as exemplified by Monsignor Cateran's vindictive response to libel.
What happens
Pope Hadrian VII confronts Cardinal Courtfield about the worldly behavior of the clergy, criticizing their assimilation to the laity and their un-Christian conduct, as exemplified by Monsignor Cateran's vindictive response to libel. Hadrian then questions Courtfield about the circumstances leading to his election, learning that Edward Lancaster's letters and Courtfield's own investigation into Hadrian's past, prompted by a chance resemblance to Cardinal della Volta, led to his nomination. The chapter explores themes of hypocrisy, justice, and the struggle for authentic Christian leadership.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Hypocrisy
Hadrian condemns the clergy's worldly behavior and hypocrisy, exemplified by Monsignor Cateran's unchristian vindictiveness.
Justice and Vengeance
The dispute over Cateran's libel case highlights the tension between Christian forgiveness and worldly vengeance.
Identity and Self-Perception
Hadrian's past is investigated through conflicting testimonies, revealing how others perceive him versus his own self-understanding.
Characters to notice
- Hadrian VII
Criticizes the worldly clergy and interrogates Cardinal Courtfield about his election.
- Cardinal Courtleigh
Defends the clergy but ultimately submits to Hadrian's authority and explains the election process.
- Edward Lancaster
His self-accusing letters to Courtleigh brought Hadrian's name to the cardinal's attention.
- Monsignor Cateran
Cited as an example of worldly clergy for his vindictive response to libel.
- Cardinal della Volta
His likeness to someone Courtleigh remembered sparked the chain of thought leading to Hadrian.
Key passages
“Teach them that magna ars which St. Thomas of Aquino says est conversari Jesu . Teach them to rise above the world.”
Instruct the clergy in the great art of living with Jesus, as St. Thomas Aquinas taught, and to transcend worldly concerns.
Hadrian emphasizes the need for clergy to embody spiritual virtues rather than worldly ones.
“In vindicating himself, he behaved, not as a minister of God but, as a common human animal.”
By defending his honor, Monsignor Cateran acted like an ordinary person rather than a servant of God.
Hadrian criticizes Cateran's vengeful response to libel as unchristian.
“The Barque of Peter has been trying to reach harbour. Muting within, storms without, have driven Her hither and thither.”
The Church (the Barque of Peter) has struggled to reach its goal, buffeted by internal dissent and external challenges.
Hadrian uses a nautical metaphor to describe the Church's troubled state.