The Code of Canon Law article you cite needs to be read in its entirety: "Those who themselves or through others, invade, destroy, or detain cities, lands, places, or rights of the Roman Church . . . ."
Thus, the excommunication is against those who affect the lands or rights of the Catholic Church. I should mention that I am not only Catholic, and a lawyer, but went to Tulane, one of the few places in this country where you can learn civil law, which means how to read codes. I was taught to read codes by the great Yiannopoulos, and made A's in every code class I took. So I think I have some credibility when I tell you that the "or" is conjunctive, not disjunctive.
My perception is that the Church decided back in the 19th century to disengage itself from the practice of using excommunication as leverage in political disputes. I think history demonstrates that the Church's influence in political spheres has waned considerably over the last couple of centuries, and for good reasons.
I did not know about the pact you mention. I will look the book at my library, probably won't buy it, but maybe. |
