In what sense is the “separation” of Church and State properly understood?
The proper understanding of the “separation” of Church and State involves recognizing each as an individual and perfect society that is ontologically distinct – each with its own particular nature, origin, means and end. This proper distinction is opposed to the Protestant notion of the “divine right of kings” following the principle “cuius regio, eius religio” or any ideology that would effectively deny the “separation” of the two powers or offices according to the teaching of the Popes (Cf. Gelasius I, Leo XIII and Pius XII referenced above).
