this is another centuries old conflict. there's a bit of a contradiction in the liberal assault on papal totalitarianism, which is this idea of "religious freedom", which they should really understand as an oxymoron. post-liberal leftists used to understand this better, although post-leftists have returned to this liberal confusion (unfortunately).

every time they have the chance to really stamp the church out, they get trapped in their confused ideals and show it mercy. yet, when they start showing signs of rejuvenation they go into containment policy. so, it's this pointless loop that just wastes resources - and, worse, keeps a dangerous institution in existence.

they should just put the vatican out of it's misery. one approach would be to nationalize the holy see and redistribute the wealth.