Michael Voris: Many faithful Catholics don’t understand why, why would a bishop, a priest, or a cardinal be afraid of what is said about them in the mass media? Many Catholics think, Who cares? Let them say what they want.
Bishop Schneider: Yes, but in reality, when a cardinal or bishop speaks clearly on such topics, even respectfully and politely, a campaign will often be launched against him. They will find reasons, sometimes untrue reasons, and spread them worldwide. For example, they may claim he hid a pedophile priest, even if it’s not true. By the time the truth comes out, the damage is already done. The reputation of that priest, bishop, or cardinal has already been destroyed.
These media campaigns are orchestrated by professional liars. Bishops and cardinals are aware of this, and they fear it. They may worry about losing their office, though not their soul. For example, a bishop might govern a diocese for a few years, perhaps five, perhaps ten, before reaching retirement age. But eternity is far longer than ten years in office.
This reminds me of the story of Saint Thomas More in prison. His wife told him he could sign and be released, keeping his convictions in his heart, just as a formality. But he asked her, “How many years would I still live if I came out?” She said, “Perhaps twenty years.” He replied, “And eternity? Can you compare twenty years to eternity? That is not a good bargain.”