Conclusion

Abstract

The Church’s response to successive revolutions was evident in its capacity for both theological and political counter-revolution. Traditional forms of pastoral care together with modern technology had been employed to diffuse the intransigent message of a charismatic pope determined to reinforce moral order. ‘Democracy’ had provided a means of reinforcing the political potential of religion as well as the religious potential of politics. For many Catholics voting had represented as a manifestation of collective solidarity and an act of faith. The Church, through close collaboration with repressive political systems, and its pastoral and educational activities, had repeatedly legitimised and instrumentalised an authoritarian politics.