Do Laypeople Have to Obey the Pope?

In this short clip from a recent episode of The Live Sessions I respond to a question asked from someone in the live chat room: Are Catholics obligated to obey the Pope under any circumstances? Using a relatable analogy of fatherly authority, military discipline and spiritual combat, I explain the theological basis for obedience to the Pope, how far it goes, the role of humility in spiritual warfare, and how this obedience ultimately empowers personal growth and holiness. With a few examples from Pope Francis’s papacy, I examine misunderstandings about Church teachings and how obedience, even in moments of frustration or confusion, contributes to the unity and strength of the Church. 

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Show Notes:

* Introduction: Answering the question of whether Catholics must obey the Pope under any circumstance.

* Fatherly Authority Analogy: Drawing parallels between parental discipline and obedience to the Pope.

* Case Study of Pope Francis: Understanding Pope Francis’ teachings, including the revisiting of the Church's stance on the death penalty.

* Obedience and Spiritual Warfare: Why obedience to the Pope is vital for spiritual strength and discipline, likened to the structure of an army.

* Holiness vs Orthodoxy: A discussion on the imbalance between orthodoxy and holiness in the Church today.

* Humility as a Weapon in Spiritual Combat: How growing in humility through obedience to ecclesiastical authority strengthens our spiritual combat.

* Final Thoughts: A call to respect the authority of the Pope, regardless of personal frustrations, and how it leads to personal and spiritual growth.

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Key Takeaways:

* Obedience to the Pope is integral to maintaining the unity and discipline of the Church.

* Even when a Pope’s actions or words are difficult to understand, the call to obedience remains foundational.

* Humility, born out of obedience, is a secret weapon in overcoming spiritual challenges.

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