The word "administrator" did not exist until the 15th century, possible around 1450.
The word was created after or during the fall of the hierarchical structures of Europe which had existed for centuries.
Yes, there were civil servants and various levels of such. Yes, there were hierachies in the Church as well as in society. But, administrators, that is, a group of persons in a society who managed something, most likely came from the roles of the agent, seneschal or steward in charge of a nobleman's property, whether movable or stationary.
The seneschal managed the estates of a lord or lady. and could also have been in charge of ceremonies, in the capacity of a master of ceremonies. In addition, this steward would have been in charge of the domestic arrangements in the house or castle, such as dinners, buying and selling and so on.
The land agent is a familiar figure in some novels, for example, in Middlemarch, father of Mary Garth.
Now, the reason I am going into all this history of a role in society is that there has been talk among Catholics that a Pope is needed who is an administrator.
That a Pope should be aware and savvy of certain details, of course. But the difference between a Pope and an administrator is the difference between a king and his steward, or, an abbot and his steward.
Americans are the worst ones for confusing roles. I remember a conversation in 2008 with a person high up in a chancery office who said that all priests should have business degrees, or at least, business acumen.
I could hardly believe this comment, but he was sincere. The person did not understand the idea of the vocation of the priesthood and merely saw the role of the priest as an administrator of a parish, who did the sacraments as well.
Sad. This is a dangerous and unprofessional ideal.
A priest, a bishop and a Pope are all first and foremost pastors of souls.
If such a person can choose excellent administrators to work underneath and with him, fine.
The Pope is not to be an administrator, just as a lord or king is not a land agent or steward or seneschal.
King Arthur's steward was Sir Kay, btw. Sir Kay was a servant of the King. The Steward of Gondor was not the King. The Pope should not be an administrator.
