In this statement, Thomas Hobbes compares the Papacy to a spectral presence that dominates the remnants of what was once the Roman Empire. Essentially, he views the Papacy as an entity that has taken over and now controls the legacy and influence left behind by Rome’s fall from power.
Hobbes's metaphor extends beyond its literal interpretation, suggesting that the Catholic Church, specifically the institution of the papacy, has become a ghostly echo of past imperial authority. By using the term "ghost," Hobbes implies that although the Roman Empire itself no longer exists in physical form, its influence and certain aspects of its power have been transferred to the Papacy. This transfer suggests continuity but also transformation; what once was a grand empire is now an ecclesiastical institution claiming similar levels of authority and control. The phrase "sitting crowned upon the grave" emphasizes the papacy’s claim over Rome's former sovereignty, indicating that the church has taken up the mantle of rulership where the Roman Empire left off.
Thomas Hobbes, the author of this quote, was a prominent English philosopher who lived from 1588 to 1679. He is renowned for his work on political philosophy and is best known for his book "Leviathan," which explores the nature of human society and political authority. Hobbes's thinking was deeply influenced by the tumultuous times in which he lived, including religious conflict and civil war in England. His quote about the Papacy reflects his broader skepticism towards religious institutions and their influence on governance and societal order.
