Is the absolute authority of the Papacy limited in any way but by the individual virtues of the Pope? No.
Does the Constitution of 1848, or the Motu Proprio of 1849, set limits to this authority? No. The first has been torn up, the second never observed.
Has the Pope renounced his title of administrator, or irresponsible guardian of the patrimony of Catholicism? Never.
Is the management of public affairs exclusively in the hand of prelates? As much so as ever.
Are the higher posts in the State still by law interdicted to laymen?
Not by law, but in fact they are.
Are the different powers still confounded in practice? More so than they ever were. The governors of cities act as judges, and the bishops as public administrators.
Has the Pope abandoned any portion of his infallibility as to worldly matters? None whatever.
Has he deprived himself of the right of overruling the decisions of the Courts of Appeal? No.
Has the Cardinal Secretary of State ceased to be a reigning Minister? He reigns as absolutely as ever; and the other ministers are more like footmen than clerks to him. They may be seen any morning waiting in his antechamber.
Is there a Council of Ministers? Yes, whereat the Ministers attend to receive the Cardinal's orders.