The duties of the pope encompass spiritual, administrative, and political responsibilities as the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church and head of the Vatican City State. Key duties include:
Spiritual and Pastoral Duties
- Supreme Pastor: The pope acts as the supreme pastor and spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics globally, representing Christ’s love and concern for every individual and guiding the Church in faith and morals
- Teaching and Preserving Faith: He preserves, interprets, and teaches Christian doctrine, ensuring the unity and orthodoxy of the Catholic Church. The pope can define doctrines infallibly under specific conditions, safeguarding the Church from error
- Unifier of the People of God: He promotes unity among local churches and other Christian denominations, balancing the autonomy of local churches with the good of the worldwide Church
- Calling Ecumenical Councils: The pope has the authority to convene general meetings of bishops to decide on Church policies and doctrines
Administrative and Governance Duties
- Head of the Roman Curia: The pope oversees the Roman Curia, the Church’s central administrative body, to manage Church affairs globally
- Appointing Bishops and Cardinals: He appoints bishops to dioceses worldwide and cardinals who elect future popes
- Legislative Authority: The pope promulgates universal Church laws, approves religious orders, and can intervene in diocesan matters. He also issues legal documents such as Motu proprio
- Judicial Powers: He has authority over ecclesiastical tribunals and can commute canonical penalties, including excommunication
Political and Diplomatic Duties
- Head of State of Vatican City: The pope governs the Vatican City, a sovereign city-state, exercising full legislative, executive, and judicial powers within it
- International Diplomacy: As head of the Holy See, the pope maintains diplomatic relations with over 180 countries, participates in global discussions on peace, human rights, and the environment, and acts as a moral voice on international issues
- Mediation and Dialogue: The pope engages in interfaith dialogue and offers mediation in global conflicts, exemplified by recent appeals for peace and fostering relations with leaders of other religions
Pastoral Engagement
- The pope prioritizes personal contact with people, listening to their joys and sufferings, and should not let administrative duties obstruct this pastoral mission
In summary, the pope’s duties combine spiritual leadership, doctrinal teaching, Church governance, and international diplomacy, making him a unique religious and political figure globally
