Summary of "Day 123: The Pope" – The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Released May 3, 2025

Introduction

In Day 123 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, listeners are guided through an in-depth exploration of the roles and significance of the Episcopal College and its head, the Pope, as outlined in paragraphs 880 to 887 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode sheds light on the foundational structures of the Catholic Church, emphasizing unity, authority, and the continuity of tradition.

Opening and Prayer

Fr. Mike Schmitz begins the episode with a warm welcome and introduces the day's reading focus. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Church's structure as revealed in Scripture and Tradition. The episode opens with a heartfelt prayer, reflecting Fr. Mike's commitment to invoking divine guidance for the bishops and church leaders:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]: "Father in Heaven, we give you praise and glory... Lord God, make them holy and by doing so, extend that holiness to your people as well. In Jesus name we pray. Amen."

Reading the Catechism: Paragraphs 880-887

Fr. Mike outlines that today's reading encompasses paragraphs 880 to 887, which delve into the Episcopal College and the role of the Pope. He underscores the complexity and depth of these paragraphs, noting their dense theological content:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]: "It's dense, but every little paragraph is kind of like a nugget... talking about the Episcopal College, what is it that the bishops are, and also the papacy."

The Episcopal College and Its Head, the Pope

The heart of the episode explores the Episcopal College, defined as the collective body of bishops united in their mission and authority under the leadership of the Pope. Fr. Mike elucidates the collegial nature of the bishops and their indispensable unity with the Pope:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]: "The college of bishops has supreme and full authority over the universal Church. But this power cannot be exercised without the agreement of the Roman pontiff."

He highlights that the Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, holds "full, supreme and universal power over the whole Church," a power that ensures the unity and doctrinal consistency of the Catholic faith:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "The pope, bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful."

Biblical Foundations of the Papacy

Fr. Mike delves into Matthew 16 to explain Jesus' designation of Peter as the foundational rock of the Church. He recounts the pivotal moment when Jesus declares Peter as such, granting him the "keys to the kingdom" and establishing his leadership role:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "The Lord made Simon alone whom he named Peter the rock of his church... upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."

He connects this to Isaiah 21, drawing parallels between Peter's role and the Old Testament office of the Al Habait (prime minister), who held authority and responsibility within the kingdom of David:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "There are all these massive connections between what Jesus is saying to Simon, now called Peter... and what was written in the Old covenant in the book of the prophet Isaiah."

The Role of Bishops as Successors of the Apostles

Building on the scriptural foundation, Fr. Mike explains that bishops are the successors of the apostles, entrusted with authority within their dioceses while remaining united with the Pope in Rome. This succession ensures the continuity of apostolic teaching and governance:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "The bishops, they are the successors of the apostles in their own diocese... always necessitated to be united with the Holy Father."

He emphasizes that the college of bishops collectively administers the Church's affairs, ensuring that local doctrines align with universal teachings:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "Each paragraph is kind of like a nugget... talking about the office of bishop and the papacy."

Jesus Reinstates Peter: Continuity Despite Failures

Fr. Mike references John 21, where Jesus reinstates Peter after his denial, reaffirming his role as shepherd of the flock. This reinstatement underscores the resilience and enduring nature of Peter's (and thus the Pope's) authority despite human failings:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "Jesus not only reestablished this or reiterated it... Jesus keeps on giving Peter this unique role."

He draws a poignant lesson from Peter's restoration, highlighting that the Church's leadership remains steadfast through divine grace:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "We believe that the Jesus, the same God who gave Peter this unique role, is the same God who continues to call his successors for that same unique role."

Unity and Authority within the Church

Fr. Mike discusses the balance between unity and diversity within the Church. He explains how the Episcopal College embodies both the universal nature of Catholicism and the unique missions of individual dioceses:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "The variety and universality of the people of God and of the unity of the flock of Christ in so far as it is assembled under one head."

He draws an analogy to St. Paul's teachings about the Church as a body, where each member's strength contributes to the whole:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "When one member of the body is strengthened, the whole body is strengthened. And when one member grows weak, the whole body suffers."

Practical Implications for Church Leadership

The episode outlines the practical responsibilities of bishops and the Pope in administering the Church's spiritual and temporal matters. Fr. Mike explains how bishops, assisted by priests and deacons, govern their dioceses while contributing to the global mission through councils and synods:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "The bishops exercise their pastoral office over the portion of the people of God assigned to them, assisted by priests and deacons."

He emphasizes the importance of cooperation and mutual support among bishops to ensure the Church's mission is effectively carried out worldwide:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "Ecclesiastical provinces... patriarchates or regions... can meet in synods or provincial councils."

Call to Support and Prayer

Fr. Mike urges listeners to actively support and pray for their bishops and church leaders. He stresses that the strength and holiness of each leader directly impact the entire Church community:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "When one member of the body is strengthened, we're all strengthened... Pray for our bishops and pray for those who serve us."

He concludes with a personal appeal for mutual prayer and support, fostering a sense of communal responsibility among listeners:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "I am praying for you. Please pray for me."

Closing Encouragement

Before signing off, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to continue their journey through the Catechism, reinforcing the importance of understanding the Church's hierarchical structure as a foundation for living out their faith:

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:30]: "I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."

Conclusion

In Day 123 of The Catechism in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a thorough examination of the Episcopal College and the papacy, highlighting their scriptural foundations, roles, and interdependent relationships within the Catholic Church. By intertwining theological exposition with biblical references and practical applications, Fr. Mike offers listeners a clear and engaging understanding of the Church's authoritative structure and its significance in fostering unity and guiding the faithful.