I don't think he got anyone's permission, never mind the Vatican's, to run for office.

Also, he was blatantly notorious in openly supporting babykilling. A Catholic priest! Supporting babykilling! Good riddance -- at least from Parliament. Now he should be facing some canonical censures, if his bishop has any guts.
PMcGrath | Homepage | 09.04.08 - 4:54 pm | #

Actually, PMcG, he DID have "permission" but as I argued in article about to come out, such "permissions" are illicit under law.

It's good news he's coming back.

I suppose.
Ed Peters | Homepage | 09.04.08 - 6:44 pm | #

Oh, wait, permission from the Vatican? I never heard of that, and I seriously doubt it happened. No way.

In any case, my article is about such permissions being granted by local authorities.
Ed Peters | Homepage | 09.04.08 - 6:45 pm | #

Have any books been written about what it's like on the campaign trail with a catholic priest who runs for office in a democracy?

Can you picture negative attack ads on tv "This Message approved by Rev. John Doe."

While I do not think the clergy should hold office, it'd still be a fascinating story.
Anonymous | 09.04.08 - 6:51 pm | #

Ah, I see the piece I referred to above is already out: It's in the 2007 CLSA Advisory Opinions pp. 60-62.
Ed Peters | Homepage | 09.04.08 - 6:58 pm | #