"Standards of conduct appropriate to civil society or the workings of a democracy cannot be purely and simply applied to the Church"

This quote by Joseph Ratzinger suggests that the standards of conduct that are suitable for civil society and democracy can not be used to the Church in the very same method. Ratzinger is implying that the Church is a distinct institution that requires its own set of requirements and guidelines. He is suggesting that the Church must not be held to the very same standards as civil society and democracy, as it is a different entity with its own set of worths and beliefs. Ratzinger is stressing the importance of appreciating the Church's autonomy and recognizing that it is a distinct organization with its own set of rules and policies. He is also recommending that the Church ought to not be judged by the same standards as civil society and democracy, as it is an unique entity with its own set of worths and beliefs. Ratzinger's quote is a tip that the Church is a special institution that should be respected and dealt with differently than civil society and democracy.