The magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church refers to the teaching authority of the Church. It consists of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him. The word “magisterium” comes from the Latin word “magister” meaning “teacher.”
The Catholic Church believes that Jesus Christ entrusted his authority to teach the faith to the apostles and their successors, the bishops. This teaching authority is exercised in several ways:
- Papal pronouncements – The Pope can issue official teachings on faith and morals. These include apostolic constitutions, encyclicals, bulls, briefs, etc.
- Ecumenical Councils – The bishops can come together in councils, such as the Council of Trent or Vatican II, to settle disputed questions and define doctrine. The Pope confirms the decrees of councils.
- Bishops – Individual bishops have the authority to teach the faithful in their dioceses on matters of faith and morals in union with the Pope.
- Catechism – The Catechism summarizes the doctrine of the Church on various subjects.
The magisterium is guided by the Holy Spirit and protected from formally teaching error on definitive matters of faith and morals. This gift is called “infallibility.” It allows the faithful to know with certainty what the Church officially teaches on critical issues. While individual bishops or even popes can err in their personal teachings, the magisterium as a whole cannot defect from the truth (see Matthew 16:18, John 14:16-17).
Some key areas where the magisterium has exercised its infallible teaching authority include:
- The doctrine of papal infallibility defined at Vatican I in 1870.
- The two Marian dogmas of the Immaculate Conception (1854) and the Assumption (1950).
- The canon of Scripture in the Councils of Rome (382), Hippo (393), and Carthage III (397).
- The condemnation of birth control in Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae.
- The impossibility of ordaining women to the priesthood definitively proposed by Pope John Paul II in 1994.
The ordinary or everyday exercise of the magisterium comes through the various teachings and documents issued by popes, councils, and bishops. Catholics are expected to give religious submission of intellect and will to these teachings even when not presented definitively. However, there can be legitimate disagreements by theologians and the faithful over the interpretation of non-definitive teachings (see Canon 752).
Some examples of ordinary magisterial acts include:
- Encyclicals such as Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum.
- Apostolic exhortations like Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia.
- Instructions from Congregations of the Roman Curia on various matters.
- Pastoral statements by regional bishops’ conferences, such as on the economy or nuclear weapons.
- Bishops implementing the Church’s teachings through local policies.
In summary, the magisterium of the Catholic Church consists of the Pope and bishops as successors of the apostles. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they have been entrusted by Christ with faithfully passing on divine revelation regarding faith and morals. This teaching authority is exercised through papal pronouncements, councils, catechisms, and the ordinary daily teaching activity of the Church down to the local level.
While protected from definitively proposing error, the magisterium allows for diversity in non-definitive teachings and their interpretation. But all Catholics are called to religiously submit their mind and will to the magisterium’s presentations of the Catholic faith, especially in definitive matters.
The magisterium helps keep the timeless teachings of Christ alive in the Church. It allows the faithful to drink deeply from the Deposit of Faith handed down through Scripture and Tradition. By submitting to the magisterium, Catholics receive the fullness of revealed truth that sets them free (see John 8:32).
Some key biblical passages about the teaching authority of the Church include:
- “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
- “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” (Luke 10:16)
- “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
- “I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink; instead I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face.” (3 John 13-14)
- “Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.'” (Matthew 28:18-20)
The magisterium gives the Church an authoritative voice for passing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the ages. Guided by the Holy Spirit, it allows the faithful to access the saving truth that sets them free. All baptized Catholics are called to know, live, and promote these teachings revealed by God.
Through the magisterium, the apostolic mission of evangelization continues. Doctrine develops but remains unchanged in its essence. Customs adapt but the Deposit of Faith endures. The magisterium allows the timeless teachings of Jesus to speak to each new generation of believers. It prevents confusion and error from distorting the message of salvation.
By adhering to the magisterium, Catholics proclaim to the world the living voice of Christ in his Church. They experience the authentic Gospel that unites all Christians throughout time. And they come to know the truth that sets them free as children of God.