Sparring Over Papal Obedience

I recently shared a segment clip from a podcast episode, in which I addressed a question from the audience, ‘Do laypeople have to obey the pope?” Naturally I started the post with that very question, as a way of introducing the clip I was posting a link to.

I knew this was going to raise some eyebrows. But I wasn’t expecting this.

I’ll let the exchange mostly speak for itself, with some additional insertions and explanations —Labeled, “Supplement” — that I think are important to the big picture, but not necessary for getting something out of the exchange proper. Try to pay very close attention to what’s being said in this exchange, because it’ll help guard you from falling into error somewhere in your personal Catholic adventure. I’ll abbreviate a bit, removing parts of it that aren’t pertinent or necessary.

Now let’s do this. Remember, the exchange started with the post’s intro, “Do laypeople have to obey the Pope?”

Me, in response to Commenter 1: Well yes and no. The Pope doesn't have free rein over Catholic teaching [so he couldn’t single-handedly change it]; that's what the magisterium is for.

The Magisterium of the Catholic Church is the Church's teaching authority, responsible for interpreting and preserving divine revelation as found in Sacred Scripture and Tradition. The Magisterium consists of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him, guided by the Holy Spirit, to authentically teach matters of faith and morals. So it’s incorrect to suggest that the Pope is the single authority on Church teaching. He is not. The whole magisterial body —the Cardinals, in union with the Pope—is the Church’s teaching authority, taking its authority from Jesus. Here are some scripture references outlining the unique teaching authority of the Magisterium

Matthew 28:18-20: Jesus, claiming all authority, commissions the apostles to make disciples, baptize, and teach His commands to all nations, promising His presence with them.