Folia Theologica 2. (1991)

Francisco J. Urrkutia: The Magisterium: how it works

FOLIA THEOLOGICA 2 (1991)

17

Francisco Javier URRUJIA SJ.

THE MAGISTERIUM: HOW IT WORKS

1. The question on The Magisterium, and specifically on the required response on the part of the faithful, to the non-infallible teachings of the pope, is certainly one of the most practical questions of our times. If not for other reasons, because of its importance for our concrete lives. But it is also a complex question and apparently a thorny one.

When I limit myself here to the teaching function of the „supreme teacher of the universal Church" (LG 25,3), the pope, I do it for two reasons. First, because the H. Father exercises this function so very often. Second, because almost as often his teachings are challenged by some theologians, who claim a right to dissent, for themselves and for the other Christian faithful, either in the name of theological knowledge or simply invoking the rights of everyone’s conscience.

2. Let us be aware, from the outset, of a fact. While the pope exercises his supreme function of teaching almost constantly, it should be obvious, that he does not give the same weight to all of his pronouncements: when he greets the crowd in St. Peter’s Square before reciting the „Angelus" on Sundays, when he greets a group of pilgrims, when he addresses a group of fellow bishops in their „Ad limina" visit or during one of his apostolic trips, when he writes a document after a Synod of bishops or when he writes an Encyclical, he does teach indeed, and he does it as supreme Pastor, but with very different intentions.

With regard to this question, Vatican II explicitly stated that the faithful have to give their assent to the non-infallible teachings of the H. Father „according to his manifest mind and will" (LG 25,1).

3. We have to realize then, that the H. Father can, and in fact, does teach some non-infallible doctrines with the Clear intention of demanding agreement and of not admitting dissent, for example, his teaching excluding in all instances, contraceptive acts or his teaching declaring abortion always wrong, no matter what the personal circumstances.

vIf, in fact, Paul Vi’s Encyclical „Humanae Vitae" encountered so much opposition, it was precisely because the pope clearly proposed his absolute