On The Rank Of Bishop And (The Pope)Who Is Highest In That Rank


It is evident, however, that although the people are divided into different dioceses and cities, just as there is one church there also must be one Christian people. Just as the particular people of one church must have one bishop who is head of all the people, so also the whole Christian people must have one who is head of the whole church.

Likewise if the church is to be united, all the faithful must agree on the faith. But there are many questions concerning matters of faith. Because of the difference of opinions, the church would be divided unless it was kept in unity by the decision of one person. Thus one person must be over the whole church in order to keep it united. But it is obvious that Christ never failed to give what is necessary to the church that he loves and for which he sheds his blood. The Lord says of the synagogue, "What more is there that I should have done for my vineyard, and have not done." There is no doubt therefore that it is by Christ's command that one person is over the whole church.

Futhermore no one doubts that the government of the church is ordered in the best way, since this has been done by the one through whom "Kings rule and legislators make just laws." The best government of a society is one that is ruled by one person. This is clear from the end of government which is peace. Peaceful unity among his subjects is the end of the ruler, and one ruler, rather than many rulers, is a more proximate cause of unity. It is clear therefore that the government of the church is so arranged that one person is over the whole church.

This then refutes the presumptuous error of those who try to withdraw from obedience and subjection to Peter and do not recognize his successor, the Roman Pontiff, as the pastor of the universal church.

-St. Thomas Aquinas from the Summa Contra Gentiles.