Saint Joan · Chapter
The Church Uncompromised by Its Amends explained
This chapter explores the Catholic Church's capacity to reconcile its past actions, particularly the condemnation and canonization of Joan of Arc.
What happens
This chapter explores the Catholic Church's capacity to reconcile its past actions, particularly the condemnation and canonization of Joan of Arc. It argues that the Church, unlike secular institutions, can admit error and elevate a former heretic to sainthood without compromising its doctrine of infallibility. The text contrasts the Church's humility with the arrogance of modern democracies and professions, and reflects on the horror of Joan's execution despite the tribunal's legality and conscientiousness.
Themes in this chapter
Heresy and Sanctity
The chapter examines how the Church can declare a person a heretic and later canonize them as a saint, using Joan and Francis as examples.
Faith and Reason
Discusses the tension between private judgment and divine revelation, and the Church's rational approach to infallibility.
Justice and Injustice
Reflects on the injustice of Joan's burning despite a legal and conscientious trial, and the Church's ability to remedy wrongs.
Characters to notice
- Joan of Arc
Discussed as a saint whose private judgment was privileged, and whose burning was a horror that cannot be excused.
- Peter Cauchon
Mentioned as a conscientious priest and lawyer, more self-disciplined than any English judge in a political case.
- Galileo
Referenced as a potential future saint, whose canonization would not compromise papal infallibility.
- St. Francis
Cited as an example of a saint who was in conflict with the Church and might have been executed if he had lived longer.
- St. Clare
Mentioned alongside St. Francis as an innovating saint who conflicted with the Church.
Key passages
“In the Catholic Church, far more than in law, there is no wrong without a remedy.”
The Church provides a remedy for every wrong, unlike secular legal systems.
Highlights the Church's capacity for correction and reconciliation.
“Tout comprendre, c’est tout pardonner , which is the Devil’s sentimentality, cannot excuse it.”
Understanding everything does not mean forgiving everything; that is a devilish sentiment.
Rejects the idea that understanding the tribunal's motives excuses the horror of Joan's execution.
“the burning of Joan of Arc was a horror, and that a historian who would defend it would defend anything.”
Joan's execution was an atrocity, and any historian justifying it would justify any crime.
Emphasizes the moral condemnation of the event regardless of legal or procedural justifications.