Five Things Catholics Believe about the Pope
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With Pope Francis visiting the United States, there are likely more people wondering what Catholics actually believe about the Pope. Here is a brief summary.
#1 – He is the Successor of Peter
When Jesus Christ established his Church, he appointed Simon to lead it. Jesus even changed Simon’s name, saying, “[Y]ou are Peter [which means “Rock”], and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Early Christian writings show that the bishop of Rome, later called “the pope,” was seen as the successor of St. Peter.1 Pope Francis is his 265th successor.
#2 – He is only Human
In case it’s not obvious, Catholics know that every Pope is only human like the rest of us. Even though he has an essential role in God’s plan, the Pope can make bad decisions both in his personal life and in managing the Church. Many Popes have been declared saints because of their great Christian virtue, but even the most saintly Pope isn’t perfect. After all, St. Peter himself denied Jesus three times.
#3 – He is the Vicar of Christ
“Vicar” means “representative.” Although Jesus Christ is the “head of the Church” (Ephesians 5:23), Jesus appointed St. Peter and his successors to lead the Church in his name. Jesus is the Rock, but he called Peter the “Rock.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd, but he told Peter, “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15). Jesus holds the keys of the kingdom, but told St. Peter, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:16). Again, this doesn't mean that the Pope is perfect, but it does mean that those who wish to follow Christ have a responsibility to accept the Pope's authority.
#4 – He Can Teach Infallibly Concerning Faith and Morals
When Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom, he said, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). In Judaism, “keys” were a symbol of teaching authority. Whenever a Pope definitively declares a teaching concerning faith or morals to be “binding” on the Church, the Catholic Church trusts that the Holy Spirit protects him from teaching error.2 This gift of the Holy Spirit, called “infallibility,” applies to official, dogmatic teachings of the Pope, not his off-the-cuff remarks.
#5 – His Mission is the Unity of the Church
Jesus Christ desires His Church to be “one flock, [with] one shepherd” (John 10:16). By governing the Church in Christ’s name and teaching Christ’s truth with authority, the Pope serves as “the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity” of the entire Church.3 Even though the papacy is an office of great authority, the Pope is meant to be the “servant of the servants of God,” helping all Christians to follow Christ in truth and in charity.4
Footnotes
#1 – He is the Successor of Peter
When Jesus Christ established his Church, he appointed Simon to lead it. Jesus even changed Simon’s name, saying, “[Y]ou are Peter [which means “Rock”], and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Early Christian writings show that the bishop of Rome, later called “the pope,” was seen as the successor of St. Peter.1 Pope Francis is his 265th successor.
#2 – He is only Human
In case it’s not obvious, Catholics know that every Pope is only human like the rest of us. Even though he has an essential role in God’s plan, the Pope can make bad decisions both in his personal life and in managing the Church. Many Popes have been declared saints because of their great Christian virtue, but even the most saintly Pope isn’t perfect. After all, St. Peter himself denied Jesus three times.
#3 – He is the Vicar of Christ
“Vicar” means “representative.” Although Jesus Christ is the “head of the Church” (Ephesians 5:23), Jesus appointed St. Peter and his successors to lead the Church in his name. Jesus is the Rock, but he called Peter the “Rock.” Jesus is the Good Shepherd, but he told Peter, “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15). Jesus holds the keys of the kingdom, but told St. Peter, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:16). Again, this doesn't mean that the Pope is perfect, but it does mean that those who wish to follow Christ have a responsibility to accept the Pope's authority.
#4 – He Can Teach Infallibly Concerning Faith and Morals
When Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom, he said, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). In Judaism, “keys” were a symbol of teaching authority. Whenever a Pope definitively declares a teaching concerning faith or morals to be “binding” on the Church, the Catholic Church trusts that the Holy Spirit protects him from teaching error.2 This gift of the Holy Spirit, called “infallibility,” applies to official, dogmatic teachings of the Pope, not his off-the-cuff remarks.
#5 – His Mission is the Unity of the Church
Jesus Christ desires His Church to be “one flock, [with] one shepherd” (John 10:16). By governing the Church in Christ’s name and teaching Christ’s truth with authority, the Pope serves as “the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity” of the entire Church.3 Even though the papacy is an office of great authority, the Pope is meant to be the “servant of the servants of God,” helping all Christians to follow Christ in truth and in charity.4
Footnotes
- See http://www.catholic.com/tracts/peters-roman-residency
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 891
- Lumen Gentium 23, Catechism of the Catholic Church 882
- See http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13737a.htm
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