Primacy (of the Pope)

Papal primacy refers to the supreme, full, immediate, and universal ordinary power that the Bishop of Rome possesses over the whole Church. This authority was given by Christ to St. Peter and is transmitted to his successors (CCC 881–882).

A Primacy of Service

This primacy is not for the sake of power or domination but for the preservation of unity. The Pope is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful. He exercises this authority to feed, tend, and guide the flock of Christ (CCC 882).