We are not under Rome in the same way the Latin Catholic Church is. Why do the EC Churches need to participate in an internal Latin Church affair to select their own Pope?
We would still be in communion with him.
I personally agree that the EC's should be present at a Conclave.
But I can see Todd's point as well.
Either can be defended as fully Catholic.
I think this is a very good point. Many of us Latins don't fully realize the workings of and the relationship between the Holy See and the Eastern Churches.
However, if you look at this from a monarchical point of view things become clearer. The Eastern Patriarchs should not, at least in theory, be Cardinals since they are part of the Roman Court, and (by definition) clergy of the Roman Diocese and each is assigned a
Titular Parish Church in Rome. Of course, one could also argue that since there are Eastern Rite parishes in Rome...
However, I agree with Alex that their voice should be heard at a conclave. Perhaps if they were, collectively, given the power of veto much like the Emperor of Austria had.
As well, couldn't other Patriarchs also have their own Cardinals?
Thoughts, comments, opinions?
