In the past, the Pope possessed a certain level of power and influence that is hard to find in the modern age. Traveling back at least two centuries in history, we can see that the Papal States once existed (752-1870): the Pontiff enjoyed spiritual power (governance of souls) and temporal power (governance of a population within a territory). His decisions affected the fate of all people, regardless of their class, and even the Emperor was considered a subordinate figure. All individuals identified more closely with the Church and were much more devout. Battles were waged in its name and its values were defended to the death. Returning to more recent times, we can see that greater importance was given to ceremonies and sacraments (baptism, marriage, extreme unction): every stage of life was marked by an experience of this kind. Before eating, people prayed, and on Sundays, Mass was an event that always had to be attended. In short, society was much more closely connected to the church.
Catholicism today
At some point, something must have happened. Sociologists speak of a process of secularization : disenchantment with religion, the loss of its magic, its attraction slowly fading. The causes of this can be found in historical events such as the withdrawal of Catholics from political activities and institutions , processes of rationalization and prodigious developments in science, a detachment from values as religious ones. This process, probably beginning with the Enlightenment , sees reason supplanting and relegating religion to pure superstition . We finally arrive at the present day: people in their daily lives are increasingly skeptical, disinterested, and experience spirituality (if they experience it at all) in a completely private manner. Let's take some data relating to the growth of agnosticism and atheism :
- A survey of 21.000 people in 21 countries published in December 2004 found that 25% of Western Europeans define themselves as atheist or agnostic.
- Another research produced the following results: 1 billion 154 million atheists and agnostics in the world (Brittannica Book of Year, 1994)
- The World Christian Encyclopedia announces 1 billion 71 million agnostics and 262 million atheists in the world in 2000.
Catholicism tomorrow
The data we have seen are truly alarming. This is a trend that is sure to grow with the scientific progress underway in recent decades. Without going against research and development, what ecclesiastical institutions could do would be to try to open up and broaden their thinking, which is certainly too dogmatic. Pope Francis is trying to bring the church closer to the people, to regain the trust of young people and those faithful who feel the church is a bit too distant from reality, closed in on itself and increasingly distant from the biblical message of Jesus . " If a person is gay and seeks the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge? " or " How I would like a church that is poor and for the poor ": these are the words of the pontiff that help us understand his orientation. We can talk about the so-called " Francis effect " that is bringing people back to the church, also confirmed by an online survey conducted by Censur (Center for Studies on New Religions) which reports a notable increase in the number of faithful and confessions in places of worship. There is still a long way to go for a substantial rapprochement, but the direction seems to be the right one.
Philip Campo Antico
