MAGISTERIUM OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Pope Leo XIV Here are Meaning, Scriptural and Apostolic Foundations, Historical Development, Types, Modern Exercise, and Theology of the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Definition of the Magisterium The term Magisterium derives from the Latin magister, meaning “teacher.” In Roman Catholic theology, it denotes the Church’s divinely instituted teaching authority, entrusted by Christ to the Apostles and their successors—the Pope and the bishops in communion with him—to authentically interpret the Word of God, whether written (Scripture) or handed on (Tradition) (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §85). According to the Catechism, “the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God... has been entrusted to the living, teaching office of the Church alone” (CCC, 1997, §85). Thus, the Magisterium ensures that the faith is faithfully transmitted and protected from doctrinal error. 2. Scriptural and Apostolic Foundations of Magisterium The foundation...