The Papacy and Spanish Bull-Fights

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 23, 1906

The Papacy and Spanish Bull-Fights

Is the Roman Catholic Church sincere in its effort to prevent the continuance of bull-fights in Spain? The London Chronicle says:—

The Roman Catholic Church, which is usually supposed to be an accessory, has waged war upon bull-fights—a war in which she has been worsted. Popes have issued bulls against this diversion, but these papal bulls have not made themselves heard in the clamor surrounding the bulls in the ring. It is the papal bulls that have got no quarter.

Referring to this matter, the Northwestern Christian Advocate says:—

The issuance of bulls against bull-fights did not exhaust the powers of the pope. He possesses one power which, if employed, would put an immediate stop to the cruel sport. Let him direct that the sacraments be refused the king and queen of Spain if they attend bull-fights. Attendance at cruel bull-fights in Spain is surely as grave an offense against righteousness as attendance upon the public schools in America, yet Roman Catholic prelates in America have threatened Catholic parents in this country with deprivation of the sacraments if they send their children to the public schools.

The papacy has learned the necessity of being somewhat discreet in its exercise of arbitrary authority where it lacks the power to enforce its decrees. It requires both courage and power to successfully rebuke the follies of a king. It is easier to condone the sins of royalty.