It’s a very thoughtful question — and one that touches the heart of what leadership means in the Church. Many people imagine that the Pope rules like a king, issuing commands that no one can question. But in truth, the authority of the Pope is deeply different: it is a spiritual authority rooted in service, not domination.
When Jesus gave Peter the keys of the Kingdom and said, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17), He was entrusting him — and those who would follow after him — with a mission of love and guidance. The Pope’s authority comes from this same calling: to guard the faith, to teach truth, and to keep unity among believers. His power is not his own; it is a share in Christ’s shepherding care for the Church.
The Church teaches that the Pope, as the successor of Peter, has supreme authority in matters of faith, morals, and Church governance — but not absolute authority. He cannot change divine law or invent new doctrines. His duty is to preserve and faithfully interpret what has been revealed by Christ. Even when speaking ex cathedra (that is, “from the chair” of Peter), the Pope is bound by Scripture and Tradition, not above them.
In this way, the Pope’s leadership is best understood as a ministry of unity and humility. Every true act of papal authority is meant to serve the Church, not to dominate it. The Pope leads not by command, but by witnessing to Christ’s love — the same love that knelt to wash the feet of His disciples.
The Pope’s authority reminds us that real power in God’s eyes is always service. May we, too, lead with humility and truth in the places God has entrusted to us.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
