One Minute Catechism 32

The One Minute Catechism: We Believe in the Holy Catholic Church – Part VI (CCC 748-975)

The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the Successor ofSaint Peter. He is the perpetual, visible source and foundation of the unity of the Church. He is thevicar (representative) of Christ, the head of the College of Bishops, and the pastor of the whole Church.Christ gave the Pope full, supreme, immediate, and universal power within the Church.

The College of Bishops, in union with the Pope, andnever without him, also exercises supreme and full authority over the Church. The bishops, in union with the Pope, have the duty of proclaiming the Gospel faithfully and authoritatively. By means of a “supernatural sense of faith,” we, as the members of the Church, should totally accept the faithunder the guidance of the living teaching authority of the Pope and bishops. The Pope and bishopsacting together in this way to teach is called the Magisterium. It is important to remember that not everything the Pope or a bishop says counts as a binding pronouncement on the faithful.

The Pope, alone or together with the College of Bishops(especially when working together in an Ecumenical Council), can also speak infallibly (that is, incapable of making an error) when he proclaims, through a definitive act, a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. The Pope and bishops, acting as the Magisterium, also act infallibly when they agree in proposing a doctrine as definitive. When a matter of faith and morals has been proclaimedunder the doctrine of infallibility, we must accept that teaching with the obedience of faith.Many non-Catholics mistakenly believe that everything the Pope says must be accepted as infallible. This is not true. Moreover, contrary to popular misconception, it has been very rare in the history of the Church for the Pope to speak with infallibility, which, again, requires a special act.

(If you are interested in learning more about thissomewhat complicated doctrine, see https://www.catholic.com/tract/papal-infallibility).

Reflect: What is the advantage of having a religioushierarchy that defines religious doctrine for the Church?

Pray: Lord Jesus, shelter our Holy Father the Pope under the protection of Your Sacred Heart. Be hislight, his strength and his consolation.