In the context of the Holy Father Leo XIV taking office as the new Shepherd of the Catholic Church, it is appropriate to understand the titles and powers of the Roman Pontiff, and what the CCEO says about them. These matters are mainly mentioned specifically in canons 43 to 48.
The Pope is the successor of Peter, the first of the Apostles, who was uniquely given by the Lorda special office (munus), to be handed down to his successors. The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals. If the person elected as Pope is already a bishop, he assumes the powers of the Pope from the moment he accepts the election. However, if the elected person is not a bishop, he receives the powers with episcopal ordination (c. 44).
The term “Pope” is not used in Canon Law. In the early Church, all bishops were called “Pope,” which means “loving father.” In the Eastern Canon Law, the term used to refer to the Pope is “Roman Pontiff.” Some other titles referring to the Pope, though not found in the Code, include Supreme Pontiff, Primate of Italy, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, and Servant of the Servants of God.
According to Canon 43, the Roman Pontiff is the bishop of the Church of Rome, the head of the College of Bishops, the Vicar of Christ, and the pastor of the entire Church on earth. All bishops are vicars and representatives of Christ in their respective dioceses. However, the Pope exercises his pastoral ministry as the Vicar of Christ not only in the Diocese of Rome but also in the entire universal Church. The Pope is the head of the College of Bishops. Apart from the Pope, the College of Bishops has no authority. Together with the head, the College of Bishops has full authority over the universal Church. This supreme authority is exercised by the College of Bishops together with the Pope either in an Ecumenical Council or when exercising a united action (c. 50).
Canons 43 and 45 further clarify the nature of the power of Roman Pontiff. It is supreme, full, immediate, universal, ordinary, and freely exercised. By “supreme authority,” it is meant that there is no higher authority in the Catholic Church than the Pope. No one can judge the Roman Pontiff, nor can anyone appeal against his decision or judgment. “Full” means that nothing limits his power. His authority is exercised directly, without intermediaries, so any catholic faithful has the right to approach the Roman Pontiff at any time. He has authority over the entire Church and all matters within it, including all eparchies, archeparchies, pastors, and all the faithful, as well as over temporal goods. All these powers are derived from his office (munus). The Pope can exercise his authority freely; he does not need to depend on or seek the approval of any ecclesiastical or political body.
The structures that assist the Pope in the exercise of his official duties are the Synod of Bishops, the Cardinals, the Roman Curia, and the pontifical legates. In addition to these, other persons and institutions according to the needs of the times, also assist the Pope. In Canon Law, the terms “Apostolic See” and “Holy See” refer not only to the Roman Pontiff, but also to various dicasteries of the Roman Curia. For example, if permission from the Apostolic See is required for a particular matter, permission from the relevant dicastery suffices. For matters not reserved to the Pope, personal permission from the Pope is not necessary. In Eastern Canon Law, the term “Holy See” is used only twice—once in its definition (c. 48) and once in reference to the Church’s relations and agreements with other states (c. 4). For all ecclesiastical matters, the term “Apostolic See” is used in the CCEO.
Rev. Dr. Mathew Souriamkuzhi
