Élites and the Church in Italy: Catholic Interpretation of Elitism

The article deals with the arguments used by Italian intellectuals, Catholic hierarchs and theologians to explain their interpretation of the concept of “elite” in general and “elite” in the Church. The aim is to present specific features of the ecclesial interpretation of elite theory in a historical and contemporary perspective. The author highlights the ambiguity of the term. The elite continues to be interpreted both in the structuralist-functional perspective as synonymous with aristocracy, establishment, ruling class, and in axiological key as the best elected part of society that possesses an unquestionable authority among fellow citizens by virtue of intelligence, talent, professionalism, etc. Catholic authors study this phenomenon from an axiological point of view. In this contest, the elitism of political elites has a strong negative connotation. This is explained by the establishments lack of “transparency”. As a result, it loses all personal aspect, becoming a mere political function devoid of any moral component. Criticism of social injustice and other “plagues” of the modern world, begun by the Church, could have cracking features typical of “counter-elite” rhetoric if the Church were a purely political community. But since the Churchs mission is not limited to politics, but determined by the evangelizing mission and Christian witness, Catholic theologians oppose any narrow definition that might reduce the clergy to a kind of elite, counter-elite, political or ideological leaders. The Church contrasts the concept of political elitism with the high moral ideal of religious prophetism and Christian witness.

elite theory, elitism, political elites, counter-elites, establishment, aristocracy, Catholic Church, Italy, V. Pareto, prophecy, social justice