Pope question

[Chuck1]

What is the popes role ?
Hi I was just wondering , what is the popes role in society ?
Also is he guided by the holy spirit an stuff ? And how can it be traced back to Peter if ifs not blood ?
Thanks

 

[GWright]

Hi Chuck1,

The Popes role is to give guidance to and definition of, the Catholic faith. He is the supreme pastor of our Church. Only the Pope can call an ecumenical council, where Catholic doctrine is discussed, and only the Pope can confirm the decisions of such a council.

Through his speeches and writings, the Pope communicates understanding of the Catholic faith. The guidance and thoughts offered by the Pope help Catholic “live their faith” more truly, for their own benefit and that of the society they live in.

He is also the chief administrator of the Catholic Church and it is he who appoints Bishops and Cardinals (the latter group being those who will vote to elect his successor, amongst their other roles).

He also has a political role, as the head of a sovereign state, and so maintains political relations with secular Governments, including ones from non-Catholic nations (mostly recently malaysia bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14181314)

Yes, the Pope is guided in his role by the Holy Spirit, as we all are when we pray and seek to know God.

Each Pope is the successor of the previous. You are right that they are not blood related, but it is the succession of the position of Pope - and the Catholic unity and Papal authority he represents - which is traced back to St Peter, not a family bloodline. St Peter became the first Pope, and down the centuries there have been 264 more after him, including Pope Benedict XVI in the present day.

Cheers.

 

[Usagi]

The Pope is the earthly head of the Church, the “prime minister” administering things while the king (Jesus) is not physically present.

In general (non-Catholic) society, the Popes are regarded as major religious leaders, but obviously not necessarily obeyed and sometimes attacked.

The Pope in general should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit before he acts, as should we all, but the specific gift that adheres to the office is that of infallibility.That is, when the Pope declares that a particular teaching on faith or morals is to be accepted by all Catholics, the Holy Spirit will not allow him to put forth a wrong teaching. It doesn’t mean that all his opinions are wise and flawless or that he cannot sin. It doesn’t even mean that he has to pick the best timing or phrasing for an infallible teaching, just that he won’t be permitted to lead the entire Church astray. In theory, God would strike the Pope dead before he could do such a thing.

“Pope” is an affectionate nickname, a variant of “Papa.” The actual office that the Pope holds is that of bishop of the city of Rome. The Popes trace their succession back to Peter as holders of that office, not by blood descent or direct selection. It’s the same sense in which President Obama is the successor of President Washington – he is today’s holder of the office that Washington first held.

Usagi

 

[valentino]

What is the popes role ?
Hi I was just wondering , what is the popes role in society ?
Also is he guided by the holy spirit an stuff ? And how can it be traced back to Peter if ifs not blood ?
Thanks

To keep the world assured that God is still in the world and in control.He is the symbol of Christ.Yes he guided by the HS as are a lot of a people.But he’'s the most aware of what God wants Her Church be.The popes aren’t monarch’s like the countries of the past.Christ’s didn’t authorize power to be delegated through blood.