the Pope replied, What can you preach to the people? If on humility, you yourselves are the proudest of the world, puffed up, pompous and sumptuous in luxuries. If on poverty, you are so covetous that all the benefices in the world are not enough for you. If on chastity-but we will be silent on this, for God knoweth what each man does and how many of you satisfy your lusts.
The Pope questioned the credibility of church leaders, highlighting their hypocrisy in preaching virtues such as humility, poverty, and chastity. He pointed out that they are often the most arrogant, avaricious, and indulgent individuals, living luxuriously while proclaiming values they do not practice. His remarks emphasize a disconnect between the ideals of the clergy and their actual behavior, casting doubt on their moral authority.
This critical perspective reflects the broader themes of Barbara W. Tuchman's "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," where she examines the societal upheavals of the time. The Pope's poignant observations serve as a commentary not only on religious figures but also on the moral decline and chaos within society as it grapples with its values and realities.
