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. [CCC 880-882, 936-937]
Washington, D.C. New York City. Philadelphia.
Yep, Pope Francis is visiting those U.S. cities this week. Big deal? Heck yeah! Why? The pope is the successor of the apostle Peter and Bishop of Rome. We believe that he is “Christ’s vicar on earth.” As Sister CC would say, he’s the “top dawg.” The only one higher is Christ himself.
Humility. Simplicity. Service. That’s what this pope has taught me … so far. I’m sure we have so much more to learn from him.
If you don’t already follow Pope Francis on Twitter, you should. Here’s his handle: @Pontifex.
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry