YOUCAT*: As successor of St. Peter and head of the college of bishops, the pope is the source and guarantor of the Church’s unity. He has the supreme pastoral authority and the final authority in doctrinal and disciplinary decisions. [880-882,936-937]
The pope announced that he would resign at the end of February “due to advanced age.” The College of Cardinals will soon gather in a conclave and choose a new pope. So what’s the pope’s job description? The pope, as the successor of Peter and the Bishop of Rome, has a special role in the church. The pope has primacy over the whole church; he is the consistent and visible source of foundation and unity for all of the faithful. The pope, as well as his brother bishops, has the task of teaching the true faith. “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” —Matthew 16:18
#YearofFaith Challenge: Pray for Pope Benedict XVI and pray for the cardinals who will gather to discern a new pope.
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry