Ever since Rome decided to grab the mantle for itself in 1054 and mix politics with religion, patronage has played a role in the careers of priests, bishops, and cardinals.  Of course, I am not naive to think politics and the lust for power was not present before the West broke from the East, but ever since that time, the lust is no longer lurking in the tall grass, it's out in the open. If you're still reading, you may be thinking what's wrong with McGuire?  What is he talking about?  Well, … [Read more...]