I have just said that in spiritual matters the authority of the Pope comes before that of the King. In temporal and national mattters, the authority of the King is supreme.
2007-08-23 12:01:14 · 4 answers · asked by flannelpajamas1 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
We've never had any kings here in the US, but I believe that you have that correct, except you need to include matters of morality to the Pope's authority. And of course, the particular king has to recognize the Pope's authority!
2007-08-23 12:34:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not Catholic, but it certainly seems that the current and previous Popes try to influence temporal and national matters. Look at the issue of equal rights for gay couples in Italy, or in Spain where the Pope and the Vatican have been very outspoken about gay marriage. Look at the efforts to influence the debate and laws on abortion. I'm sure there are other examples.
2007-08-23 22:22:04 · answer #2 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catholics believe that neither the Pope or the King are greater than God.
Christianity does not have authority over the civil authority.
But God does have authority of Christians.
Christians reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners. They obey the established laws and their way of life surpasses the laws.
The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel.
We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 2240-2242: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2.htm#2240
With love in Christ.
2007-08-23 23:47:00 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not many Roman Catholics have "kings" in the countries they live in. In any case, the pope is commonly held to be the authority for the Roman Catholic church, as a representative of Christ, on Earth. If the "king" you're referring to is Christ, I haven't heard Christ weighing in on the current problems in the world lately... so until he issues a press statement, you've gotta take care of business somehow...
2007-08-23 19:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by ಠ__ಠ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋