Religion: Strengthening Paul's Hand

Ever since the Second Vatican Council ended in 1965, one of the pet words of Catholic liberals has been "collegiality"—the idea that the Pope shares authority with his bishops. The current Synod of Bishops in Rome (TIME, Oct. 11) is a reminder that collegiality can well backfire on the liberals.

Though there may be some surprises by month's end, it looked last week as if the gathering of representative bishops from around the world was strengthening the Pope's hand on matters of the priesthood and church authority. Some liberal bishops, though eager to take home something hopeful to their restive priests and...

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