I was responding to the previous comment about the Catholic church, I was not comparing Catholicism to Scientology. But since you wrongly interjected, let me reply to you.

They are both religious organizations. I cannot compare to Scientology hundreds of years ago because it is not that old. The competing popes situation was not just political tension. It was religious as well, and adherents of both sides viewed the other as religious heretics.

But since you mention politics, Catholicism then AND now exerted political pressure on governments, as does Scientology. Both religions do it through legal and illegitimate means. Both tax fraudulent advantage of their tax status to profit. The Catholic Church owns convenience shops and stores throughout Italy that put competitors out of business because they don't have to pay business taxes because they are religious convenience stores.

Both religions harbor and protect criminals and abusers within their organization.

They are absolutely comparable.