Clericalism

Clericalism has many facets. In essence, it is the sense that being a priest entitles one to a certain respect above that to be bestowed on others, especially lay people—respect not just for the office but for the person of the priest and all his decisions and actions. It is the belief that because of a priest’s ordination, education, and sacrifices, he deserves special deference, even obedience, and is not to be questioned by a lay person who may have greater expertise. It is accompanied by a sense that since priests have such an elevated status and have renounced spouse, family and career, they deserve to be compensated with nice things—nice residences, cars, vacations and dining at fine restaurants.

From the Catholic women forum in their recommendations to seminary professors.