Now is not the time for governments to last

The future Pius IX, still a cardinal, responding to the Emperor Napoleon III, said this: "Sire, when great politicians like your Majesty object to me that the time has not come, I have only to bow because I am not a big politician. But I am a bishop, and as a bishop I answer them: hasn't the time come for Jesus Christ to reign? Well ! So now is not the time for governments to last. »