Only in Christianity do we find the pontificate distinct from the civil government." And even this has occurred only in one branch of Christianity.
Everywhere, except in Catholic countries, "in England,[5122] in Russia, in the northern monarchies, in one part of Germany, the legal union of the two powers, the religious control in the hands of the sovereign, 'is an accomplished fact.' One cannot govern without it; otherwise, the repose, dignity, and independence of a nation are disturbed at every moment." It is a pity that "the difficulty[5123] cannot be overcome as with Henry VIII.

in England.

The head of the French government would then, by legislative statute, be the supreme head of the French Church." Unfortunately, this is repugnant to France.

Napoleon often tries to bring it about, but is satisfied that in this matter "he would never obtain national cooperation"; once embarked," fully engaged in the enterprise, "the nation would have abandoned him." Unable to take this road, he takes another, which leads to the same result.

As he himself afterwards states, this result "was, for a long time and always, the object of his wishes and mediations....