The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, has supreme authority in the Church 1 2 3. This authority, however, is not absolute, and it functions within specific boundaries 4.

Nature of Papal Authority

• Primacy of Peter: Jesus Christ appointed St. Peter as the head of the Church, and this office continues in the Roman Pontiff 5 1. The Pope is the chief pastor of the whole Church and the Vicar of Christ on earth 5.
• Full and Supreme Power: Christ gave Peter full power to care for, rule, and govern the Universal Church 1 2. The Pope possesses supreme authority over the whole Church by virtue of his primacy 6.
• Successor of Peter: The Roman Pontiffs, as successors of Peter, receive supreme power in the Church by divine right 3.
• Magisterial Role: The Pope's mission includes the right to perform acts of ecclesiastical governance that are necessary to promote and defend the unity of faith and communion 4.
• Infallibility: The Pope is infallible when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful, he proclaims a definitive act regarding a doctrine of faith or morals 7 8. This infallibility is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter's successor, they exercise the supreme Magisterium, especially in an Ecumenical Council 7.

Extent and Limits of Papal Power

• Universal Coercive Jurisdiction: Christ indicated the scope of the Pope's headship through the power of binding and loosing 5 9.
• Immediate and Ordinary Jurisdiction: The Pope has immediate and ordinary jurisdiction over all the faithful, whether singly or collectively 5 9.
• Rights and Responsibilities: As the supreme teacher, the Pope sets forth creeds, determines when a profession of faith is to be made, prescribes books for religious instruction, establishes universities, directs Catholic missions, prohibits harmful books, condemns heretical propositions, and interprets the natural law 9.
• Liturgical Authority: The Pope alone can prescribe the liturgical services employed in the Church 9.
• Limits of Power: The Pope's power does not include power over divine law, whether natural or positive 10. For instance, the Church's tradition does not recognize any faculty of the Roman Pontiff to dissolve a ratified and consummated marriage 10.
• Relationship to Tradition: The Pope's ultimate responsibility is guaranteed by its relationship to Tradition, fraternal communion, and trust in the assistance of the Holy Spirit 4.
• Role of the Roman Curia: In exercising his supreme authority, the Roman Pontiff employs the various departments of the Roman Curia 11.

Obligations of the Faithful

• Obedience: It is a duty of Christians to allow themselves to be ruled and directed by the authority of the Pope 12. This obedience is not limited to dogmas but extends to doctrines proposed by the Church as divinely revealed in her common and universal teaching 12.
• Acceptance of Teaching: Doctrines defined by the Church's supreme Magisterium must be adhered to with the obedience of faith 7.
• Maintaining Communion: Maintaining communion with and obedience to the Roman Pontiff is a way to keep professing Catholic truth 13.

Historical Perspectives and Challenges

• Febronianism: This is a theory that advocated for confining the Pope's power to essential rights inherent in the primacy that were exercised by the Holy See during the first eight centuries 14 15. It posited that papal authority had been extended beyond proper bounds since the ninth century 14 15. This view is considered false and opposed to the monarchical constitution of the Church 6.
• Gallicanism: This is a theory that would impose limits on the Pope's power by the ancient canons received in the Church, requiring the acceptance or consent of the Church before his decisions could become irreformable 6. This view is also considered false and opposed to the monarchical constitution of the Church 6.

In summary, the Pope's authority is supreme within the Church, derived from Christ's appointment of St. Peter and perpetuated through his successors 5 1 2 3. This authority is extensive, covering matters of faith, morals, governance, and worship 9 12 7. However, it is not unlimited, as the Pope is bound by divine law, Tradition, and the need for communion within the Church 4 10. The faithful are called to obey and adhere to the teachings of the Pope and the Church 12 7 13.