It was people within the higher ups of the Church yes. But again, it has nothing to do with Catholic Theology. There are always going to be bad people who are Catholic, even cardinals and popes. They weren't the first bad ones, and they won't be the last.
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
-walsh
