Interviewer: Many faithful Catholics don’t understand why somebody, why a bishop, why a priest, why a cardinal, would be afraid of having things said about them in the mass media. Many Catholics think, “Who cares? Let them say what they want.”
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: Yes. But in reality, when a cardinal or bishop speaks clearly on a topic, even respectfully and politely, there will be a campaign against him. They will find reasons, even false ones, and spread them worldwide. For example, they might claim he had hidden a pedophile priest, which may not even be true. By the time the truth is proven, the damage is already done, and the reputation and image of the priest, bishop, or cardinal are destroyed.
These campaigns are run by professional liars in the media, and bishops and cardinals know this. So what are they afraid of? They are afraid they might lose their office. They won’t lose their soul, but they could lose their bishopric or cardinalate for a few years. A bishop might still govern for five years, or perhaps ten if he is 65, but eternity is coming. What is the comparison: ten years of governing a diocese or being a cardinal versus eternity?
This is exactly what St. Thomas More faced. You know the story: in prison, his wife said, “Oh yes, you can sign and get out. You can keep your convictions in your heart; just sign pro forma.” He asked her, “How many years would I live after coming out of prison?” She answered, “At least twenty years, perhaps.” He replied, “But twenty years and eternity, what comparison is that? That is no good business.”